"Kelp Quest: Eco-Math Adventure"

Design for Mastery Kit

NEW

All grades Project 12 weeks

Help the Kelp

Kari S

Aug 19, 2025

Updated Aug 19, 2025

LS.4.C

3-5.AG.4.2

LS.1.C

LS.2.A

LS.2.B

+ 5 more

1-pager

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in a comprehensive exploration of kelp forest ecosystems, fostering a deep understanding of species interactions and ecological balance. Through hands-on research, fieldwork, and collaboration with community partners, students will develop critical thinking skills and a sense of belonging to the scientific community. This experience aims to cultivate self-directed learning and academic mindset as students reflect on their discoveries and share their knowledge with others.

Learning goals

Students will develop literacy skills by researching and writing about kelp forest organisms, enhancing their understanding of ecological roles and interactions. They will engage in self-directed learning, utilizing feedback to refine their research and presentation skills. Through fieldwork and collaboration with community partners, students will cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, exploring innovative approaches to understanding complex ecological questions. The project will foster an academic mindset by helping students establish a sense of place and belonging within the context of marine ecosystems.

Standards

[] 3-5.AG.4.2 - A system can be described in terms of its components and their interactions.
[] LS.1.C - Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms
[] LS.2.A - Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
[] LS.2.B - Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
[] LS.2.C - Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
[] LS.4.B - Natural Selection
[] LS.4.C - Adaptation

Competencies

Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will collaboratively create an informative class book on kelp forest organisms, showcasing their research and literacy skills. They will also produce interactive booths for an exhibition, featuring hands-on activities and live demonstrations of data collection techniques. Additionally, students will contribute to a reflective art project illustrating the kelp forest ecosystem, emphasizing interdependent relationships. These products will be shared with the community during a student-led exhibition, highlighting their learning journey and discoveries.

Launch

To kick off the learning experience, invite a guest scientist to visit the classroom with live kelp forest animals. Students will engage their senses by observing and interacting with these creatures, sparking curiosity and excitement about the kelp ecosystem. This hands-on encounter will set the stage for students to explore the essential question of species interactions within the kelp forest.

Exhibition

Students will host an immersive kelp forest experience, transforming their classroom or a community space into an interactive marine ecosystem. Each student will manage a booth showcasing their research on specific kelp forest species, complete with hands-on activities and live demonstrations of data collection techniques. The exhibition will invite community members, including high school marine biology students and representatives from Birch Aquarium, to engage with the displays, fostering a dialogue about the importance of interdependent relationships in ecosystems.

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