Toxic Algae STEM Investigation

Christie Evans, Seaview Downs Primary School, South Australia

What is the solution to toxic algae blooms?

Year 6 – 7 Science

Mathematics and Design and Digital Technologies content is also incorporated.

Science Understanding:

• Classification helps organise the diverse group of organisms
•  Interactions between organisms, including the effects of human activities can be represented by food chains and food webs

Science as a Human Endeavour:

• Science involves testing predictions by gathering data and using evidence to develop explanations of events and phenomena and reflects historical contributions.
• People use science understanding and skills in their occupations, and these have influenced the development of practices in areas of human activity

Science Inquiry Skills:

• Identify questions and problems that can be investigated scientifically and make predictions based on scientific knowledge.
• Collaboratively and individually plan and conduct a range of investigation types, including fieldwork and experiments, ensuring safety and ethical guidelines are followed.

Know – The classification hierarchy and use the appropriate scientific language. The difference between and the purpose of a food web and food chain. Students need to know what a microorganism is and their role in an ecosystem.

Understand – That we, as human beings, have an important role to play in ensuring the health and viability of micro-organisms. Students need to understand that there are ways that we can all contribute to solving problems that are occurring globally.

Able to do – Sort and classify unknown microorganisms in terms of zooplankton and phytoplankton. Be able to represent the data in a table and create appropriate graphical representations.

Interpret data sets from a primary resource and compare data from different regions.

Students will be able to:

• Classify organisms based on observable differences
• Summarise data from primary and secondary sources
• Communicate their ideas, methods and findings using scientific language and appropriate representations
• Work collaboratively with others

Student investigation (collaborative and individual tasks)

Student assignment

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