Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the basic concepts of marine biology and the importance of marine life in our ecosystem.

Materials and Prep

To complete this lesson, you will need a computer with internet access for research, a notebook, and a pen. It would be helpful to have some knowledge of basic biology concepts such as ecosystems and food chains.

Activities

• Research and create a presentation on a specific marine organism, including its habitat, diet, and unique features.

• Watch a documentary or video on marine life and take notes on the different species and their roles in the ocean.

• Create a marine ecosystem diorama using materials found at home, and explain the interdependence of the different organisms within the ecosystem.

Seventh Grade Talking Points

• Marine biology is the study of organisms that live in the ocean. It helps us understand the diversity of life in the ocean and how these organisms interact with their environment.
• "Did you know that over 70% of the Earth's surface is covered by oceans? These vast bodies of water are home to countless species of plants and animals."
• Ocean ecosystems are complex and include various habitats such as coral reefs, kelp forests, and deep-sea trenches. Each of these habitats supports a unique community of organisms.
• "Just like on land, in the ocean, there are food chains where one organism is eaten by another, and that organism is eaten by another, and so on. This is how energy flows through the ocean ecosystem."
• Human activities, such as pollution and overfishing, can have a significant impact on marine ecosystems. It is important for us to understand and protect these delicate environments.