Antarctica in the Classroom
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Curriculum
Module 1 - Antarctic Krill
Antarctica is still a continent that holds much mystery due to its harsh environment and remote location. Krill is considered a keystone species in the Antarctic with many species, such as penguins, seals, and whales, dependent upon it for survival.
Krill may be under increasing pressure from commercial fishing as demand increases and fishing techniques improve and reduction in sea ice due to increased melting.
In this topic, students will have the opportunity to learn core knowledge around ecosystems, including the relationships, interactivities, and interdependencies in the exciting landscape of the Antarctic.
Alongside this, it could be possible to develop skills in the field of data analysis using real data from Saildrone and/or previous research.
Lesson 1
Learning Objectives
Understand that food chains represent simple feeding relationships
Understand that food webs represent the complex feeding interactions within an ecosystem
Know that food chains always begin with a producer, and in the sea, this is often phytoplankton
Use a range of relevant, scientific vocabulary
Resources
Lesson 2
Learning Objectives
Consider the consequences within a food chain or a food web when there is a change in population size of one of the organisms
To understand and recognise the interdependent relationships between predator and prey population numbers
Resources
Lesson 3
Learning Objectives
Understand how organisms affect, and are affected by, their environment
Interpret observations and data, including identifying patterns and using observations, measurements and data to draw conclusions
Identify further questions arising from the results
Resources