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MS-LS2-1: Lesson Plan (Direct Instruction)

This lesson plan aims to teach 6th grade science students about the importance of phytoplankton in producing the oxygen we breathe. Students will calculate what percent of their breaths come from phytoplankton by collecting data on their breathing rate and doing calculations. They will learn that most of Earth's oxygen comes from marine plants like phytoplankton, and one type called Prochlorococcus provides oxygen for one in five breaths. The lesson emphasizes that phytoplankton are crucial for the ocean ecosystem and students will discuss ways to protect oceans by reducing pollution and overharvesting.

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115 views2 pages

MS-LS2-1: Lesson Plan (Direct Instruction)

This lesson plan aims to teach 6th grade science students about the importance of phytoplankton in producing the oxygen we breathe. Students will calculate what percent of their breaths come from phytoplankton by collecting data on their breathing rate and doing calculations. They will learn that most of Earth's oxygen comes from marine plants like phytoplankton, and one type called Prochlorococcus provides oxygen for one in five breaths. The lesson emphasizes that phytoplankton are crucial for the ocean ecosystem and students will discuss ways to protect oceans by reducing pollution and overharvesting.

Uploaded by

api-390763404
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lesson Plan (Direct Instruction)

Teacher: Subject/Grade:
6th grade Science

AZ Content standards
MS-LS2-1

Objective
Students will be able to calculate what percent of their breath comes from phytoplankton

Evidence of Mastery (Measurable assessment for Content AND Language Objectives):


Students will complete the worksheet handout with correct and accurate information

Key vocabulary: Materials:


Phytoplankton Breath Worksheet
Marine plants
Oxygen
Photosynthesis
Breath

Opening/Anticipatory Set:
We have been discussing what ecosystems and fossil fuels and how fossil fuels may impact
ecosystems. What were some of those impacts fossil fuels had on ecosystems? Today we will be
discussing why our oceans are so important to our survival. Does anyone know what makes our oceans
so important.

1. Discuss Earth’s oxygen resources.


Ask: Where does the oxygen we breathe come from? Explain to students that rainforests are responsible
for roughly one-third (28%) of the Earth’s oxygen but most (70%) of the oxygen in the atmosphere is
produced by marine plants. The remaining 2 percent of Earth’s oxygen comes from other sources. The
ocean produces oxygen through the plants (phytoplankton, kelp, and algal plankton) that live in it.
These plants produce oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis, a process which converts carbon
dioxide and sunlight into sugars the organism can use for energy. One type of
phytoplankton, Prochlorococcus, releases countless tons of oxygen into the atmosphere. It is so small
that millions can fit in a drop of water. Prochlorococcus has achieved fame as perhaps the most
abundant photosynthetic organism on the planet. Dr. Sylvia A. Earle, a National Geographic Explorer,
has estimated that Prochlorococcus provides the oxygen for one in every five breaths we take.

2. Have students collect and analyze data.


Distribute a copy of the worksheet Breath Calculations to each student. Then divide students into small
groups of three to measure and record the number of breaths taken in 30 seconds. Ask them to assign
roles: timer, breather, and data recorder. After all groups have collected and recorded their data, have
students independently calculate how many breaths they take in one minute, one hour, and one day.
Finally, have students calculate the number of breaths that come from the
phytoplankton, Prochlorococcus.

3. Discuss the importance of phytoplankton and ways humans can positively influence phytoplankton
levels and overall ocean health.
Explain to students that phytoplankton form the base of the marine food web. The health of all
organisms in the ocean is connected to the health of phytoplankton. Use the provided Carbon Cycle
illustration and information in the Background & Vocabulary tab of this activity to build students'
content knowledge about phytoplankton's role in oxygen production and the carbon cycle. Ask: Why is
it important that we protect our oceans and the plankton that live in them? What are some ways we can
protect the ocean? Explain to students that they can help protect plankton by decreasing pollution,
using less energy, urging individuals and companies to stop destroying habitat on land and in the ocean,
and encouraging others to stop overharvesting ocean wildlife. An important part of saving the ocean is
working together and educating others about why it is important.

Closure/Lesson Summary:

Have students share how many breaths they took in 30 seconds and what percent of those breaths were
from phytoplankton.

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