Time: 3-5 class periods depending on teacher choice of activities.
Materials/Resources:
- Giant Kelp Life Cycle worksheet
- Large index cards/paper and means to attach to students for name-tags during life cycle role-play
- Colored markers/pencils
Internet Resources:
MBARI Giant Kelp Reproduction site
Vocabulary:
alternation of generations
sporophyte generation
gametophyte generation
female and male spores
female and male gametophyes
egg
sperm
sporophyll
Procedure:
- Anticipatory set: discuss two life cycles that students should be familiar with and sketch the typical “circular life cycle” diagram for each on an overhead or board (examples: human beings, a flowering plant).
- Distribute Giant Kelp Life Cycle worksheet. Guide students to MBARI Giant Kelp Reproduction website and/or library resources to complete the worksheet. Students should color diagram.
- To bring the kelp life-cycle “to life”, have students silently role-play each part or stage of the life cycle in groups or as a class. Students should create and wear large “name tags” for their particular part. Video the event for review and fun.
- Optional: if near the Pacific coast, contact the local “Coastkeeper” or "Channelkeeper" chapter and inquire about their “kelp restoration” and “eco-cart” programs, where students grow kelp gametophytes for “planting” on underwater marine substrates. Picture #1 Picture #2 Picture #3
Homework:
The kelp life cycle sheet can be finished for homework if students have access to resources there. Additionally, students can be asked to return to school with a kelp life cycle website/online diagram to be shared with colleagues and put into a class internet resource list.
Assessment:
See Unit Homepage
