Algae Bloom and Bust Experiment
![Algae Bloom and Bust Experiment](https://www.ecoliteracy.org/sites/default/files/styles/hero_image_small/public/media/algae-boom-bust.jpg?itok=1aaON_At×tamp=1490386525)
Climate change and increasing water temperatures, along with added nutrients from human activities, impact both aquatic ecosystems and the people who depend on them. In this experiment-based lesson, students examine one outcome — algae blooms.
Grade Levels: 6–9
Key Concepts:
- Human activities often have unintended consequences.
- Algae are simple, green aquatic plants that are the basis of many food chains.
- An increase in water temperature and nutrients can cause algae populations to proliferate rapidly in “blooms,” which threaten the health of ecosystems.
- The changing global climate is affecting the frequency and location of algae blooms.
Estimated Time: 45 minutes for introducing and setting up the experiment; 10-minute observations every day or two, for one to two weeks; 45 minutes to wrap up
Note: You will need to prepare the algae culture 4–8 days before doing the lesson.
Download Algae Bloom and Bust Lesson PDF [500k pdf]
A Smart by Nature® downloadable resource