Tide Pool Survival

Submitted by smileadmin on Tue, 02/16/2010 - 15:18

Source Institution

Keywords

Description

In this activity, learners observe tide pool animals in a touch tank to consider how they survive. Questions are provided to introduce physical (non-living) and biological factors that put these animals at risk, including salinity changes (how salty the water is), drying out, crashing waves, competition for space, and protection from predators. Additional background is provided about tides, waves, and types of rocks the animals attach to. The activity is written for use in an aquarium or museum, but could be done anywhere, including actual tide pools.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time: 30 to 45 minutes
Learning Time: 10 to 30 minutes
Estimated materials cost: $5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range: Ages 4 - 11
Resource Type: Activity
Language: English

Materials List (per group of students)

Plastic tubs large enough to hold 2-3 different animals
Seawater
Aerator and pump
Tide pool animals such as a sea star, turban snail, and/or sea cucumber
Towels for drying hands
Picture tiles or drawings of physical and biological factors at the rocky seashore: low tide/high tide, waves, wind, sun, air, predators, people etc.
Picture or poster of tide pools at the rocky seashore
Hand lenses for examining organisms
Butcher Paper or wipe boards
Markers
Books about the rocky seashore

Subjects

Informal Categories

Animals
Outdoor Activity

Subjects

Earth and Space Science
- Earth Structure
  - Oceans and Water
- Earth, Moon and Sun
  - Tides
Life Sciences
- Diversity of Life
  - Animals
The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
  - Asking Questions
  - Formulating Explanations