Teacher Resources - 9th Grade

The following links can be used to deliver the PLANS program to 9th grade classes. 

The PLANS program is divided into three sections. The Preparation, Action and Reflection Phase. Please visit the following links for each phase of the program. 


Preparation
Phase		 Action
Phase		 Reflection
Phase



Preparation Phase

During this phase PLANS staff from Morgan State University and The Society for Ocean Sciences will visit the classrooms to introduce the program to your students and prepare them for their participation in the Action Phase.

Student Library Resources:
Introduction to the Chesapeake Bay & the Patuxent River Estuary Understanding Nutrients

Before we visit your classroom.

Before the PLANS staff visit your classroom and the program begins we have some paperwork and preparation to do!

Preparation Teacher Guide 1

Summary:
During this class the students will be evaluated to determine their current knowledge of nutrient enrichment and related Chesapeake Bay issues. Students will then be introduced to these topics by their teacher. Further, students will be introduced to PLANS and what their role will be in the program.

Teacher Resources 

Pre Program Survey

Please ask your students to follow the link below to take the pre-program survey. They can take this survey in class or at home. 

Overview of PLANS

Please introduce your students to the PLANS program via this PowerPoint. 

Lecture on Plankton and Nutrients in the Bay

Please deliver this lecture to your students before the PLANS staff visit the classroom for the first time. This PowerPoint is full of great information and you are free to edit it as you see fit.


During our visit to your classroom:

During the preparation phase we will be looking at live Plankton samples to spark the interest of your students. 

Preparation Teacher Guide 2

Summary

During this class students will become familiar with the different groups of plankton by viewing a video prepared by PLANS staff. In addition students will be introduced to using microscopes and spend time viewing live organisms. Students will be provided with an optional reading.

Teacher Resources 

Observing a Plankton Sample

Please print this document for each student to complete while observing the plankton sample

Plankton Manual - Chesapeake Bay

Here you will find a manual to help you identify the different types of plankton found in the Bay.



Preparation Teacher Guide 3

Summary

During this class students will be introduced to the model enrichment lab experiment and will set up their bioassay. At this point, students will take their first observations of their test tubes. Note: students will spend 6‐8 days monitoring their experiment and making observations on the initial day, on the 4th and 8th day of the experiment.

Teacher Resources 

List of Materials Needed

Model Enrichment Data Sheet

Student Procedure Flip Chart - provided by PLANS staff

BACK TO TOP



Action Phase

During this phase, your students will venture out onto their schoolyard to participate in field activities to link land use to nutrient pollution.

Action Teacher Guide

Summary

During this class period we will take your students out into the schoolyard to collect soil samples for extraction of nutrients for the 2nd enrichment experiment.


Teacher Resources 

Video Tutorial:


Reflection Phase

During this phase, students will wrap up their model enrichment experiment and begin their second enrichment experiment using the soil extracts.

Reflection Teacher Guide 1

Summary

During this class period your students complete the Model Enrichment Experiment by filtering their samples and comparing the filters to the color comparator to semi-quantitatively determine the degree of algal growth. Soil extracts will then be used by students to set up the second enrichment bioassay and make initial observations of their tubes.

Teacher Resources 

Filter Paper Placement Sheet

Video Tutorial:

Reflection Teacher Guide 2

Summary

During this class period your students complete the Soil Extract Experiment by filtering their samples and comparing the filters to the color comparator to semi-quantitatively determine the degree of algal growth. Students will compare their results from this experiment to the data collected from the first model enrichment experiment. Further, students will interpret their data in light of land-uses in the Patuxent watershed and recommend ways to reduce nutrient runoff.


Teacher Resources 

Soil Extract Class Data Sheet

Soil Filter Placement Holders

Soil Extract Enrichment Data Sheet

Watershed and Land Use PowerPoint

Use this PowerPoint to drive home the issue of land use and nutrient enrichment. Feel free to edit this presentation.

Student Worksheet

This worksheet is designed to determine local nutrient runoff potential from a local watershed 

FieldScope Activity

After students complete this activity, they will understand how their actions can affect the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. Also, students will gain an appreciation for their local environment.


Post Program Survey