An Analysis of Omega 3 Consumption

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Lesson Plan: Fish Oil, Really?

Lesson Plan Standards

3.1.1 3.5.1 3.5.2 3.5.3 3.5.4 3.6.2

Extension

A grocery store or health food store census of omega 3 supplements can be performed by students as an extension/elaboration activity that helps increase awareness of the connection consumers have to the marine food chain. Another optional idea is to develop a fact sheet about the subject of fisheries and fish oil.

Objectives

1.  Students will extend their learning by filling out a survey of omega-3 products that places them into the role of a consumer and making sustainable choices regarding the marine ecosystem and fisheries.

Lesson Materials

Omega-3 Consumer Survey

Paper and pencil

Fish Oil, Really? (Content Primer)

Fact sheet reference (Summary brief: Ecosystem-based fisheries management in Chesapeake Bay: Atlantic Menhaden)

EBFM Menhaden Summary

Procedures

1. Complete a survey (Use the survey sheet link) to make an analysis of omega-3 products in the grocery store.

Formative Assessment  Use the fact sheet on Menhaden and the surveys to examine grocery store items that contain omega-3 fatty acids, naturally and supplemented, in small group discussion.  In addition, compile survey data as a class and have students make connections between sustainable choices that support a healthy marine ecosystem and their own personal health.

                                                       

References

For more information download the Content Primer

Maryland State Standards

The student will be able to describe the unique characteristics of chemical substances and macromolecules utilized by living systems.
The student will analyze the relationships between biotic diversity and abiotic factors in environments and the resulting influence on ecosystems.
The student will analyze the interrelationships and interdependencies among different organisms and explain how these relationships contribute to the stability of the ecosystem.
The student will investigate how natural and man-made changes in environmental conditions will affect individual organisms and the dynamics of populations.
The student will illustrate how all organisms are part of and depend on two major global food webs that are positively or negatively influenced by human activity and technology.
The student will investigate a biological issue and be able to defend their position on topics such as animal rights, drug and alcohol abuse, viral diseases (e.g., AIDS), genetic engineering, bioethics, biodiversity, population growth, global sustainability, or origin of life. (NTB)

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