Plankton to Orcas: How It's All Connected
October 9, 2012 - June 14, 2013
Learn how the survival of local orca whales is dependent on the health of ocean plankton. Using oceanographic equipment students will test the abiotic and biotic factors that affect plankton populations. Discover how both energy and toxins flow through the ocean food web and calculate how much phytoplankton it takes to feed a killer whale. The pre and post activities available on our website enhance this new program.
Science standards that apply: 9-11 SYSA, 9-11 SYSD, 9-11 APPE, 9-11 INQC, 9-11 LSIA, 9-11 LS2A.
Marine Invertebrate Lab
October 9, 2012 to June 14, 2013
Students will conduct inquiry investigations with live animals from Puget Sound's nearshore habitat. Students will learn how to classify these invertebrates in phyla, based on physical characteristics. They will also explore the biodiversity of the intertidal ecosystem and the ways in which the organisms are interrelated. A culminating discussion will address the positive and negative ways that humans impact this ecosystem, helping students gain an understanding of ocean conservation.
Science standards that apply: 9-11 LS2E, 9-11 LS3E.
Puget Sound Plankton Lab
October 9, 2012 to June 14, 2013
Students will take a closer look at marine plankton and their adult counterparts in a hands-on learning laboratory experience. The biodiversity of organisms in the ocean surface ecosystem will be uncovered as students examine their own plankton tow samples under microscopes. Further discussion will reveal how the populations of phytoplankton and zooplankton are in constant flux as a result of interactions between each other and environmental factors. The positive and negative impacts humans have on ocean conservation will also be discussed.
EALRs 1, 2 & 3: Systems, Inquiry and Application.
Science standards that apply: 9-11 SYSD, 9-11 LS1A, 9-11 LS2B, 9-11 LS2C, 9-11 LS2E.
Pacific Northwest Salmon
October 9, 2012 to February 28, 2013
Students will learn about the life cycle of Pacific salmon examining factors that limit population growth in both natural ecosystems and systems altered by human activity. An optional salmon dissection will allow your class to explore the internal structure of the fish. Students will discuss possible solutions to human impacts with the udnerstanding that all solutions involve tradeoffs and unintended consequences.
Science standards that apply: 9-12 SYSA, 9-12 APPE, 9-12 LS2C.
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Dates and Fees
October 9, 2012–June 14, 2013
Tuesday–Friday, October 9–February 28
Monday–Friday, March 1–June 14
Students and chapreones: $9 admission
Class Times
10am, 11:15am, 12:30pm and 1:45pm
Other Information
- Hands-on inquiry science experiences are emphasized in these programs.
- Programs align with Washington State Science Standards
- Topics are seasonal
- Conservation Education Scholarship Funding available.
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