The Rocky Intertidal Ecosystem – Early Semester
$157.07
“It helped me understand how to better protect even the littlest creatures in the littlest ecosystems. She is able to make the intertidal zone interesting (as in, I never felt like I was bored and wanted to do something else), and was in general a very nice person.”
~ Student C.H.
Enrollment
Class Full
| Instructor | Prof. Emma Stein |
| Content Levels | Grades 7-8 • Junior High Grades 9-10 • Lower High School |
| Course Length | 8 weeks |
| Live Webinars Held On | Tuesdays, 11:00 - 11:50 AM Pacific - 8/15/23 - 10/14/23 |
Rocky intertidal ecosystems are wonderful places to conduct research and explore, particularly because they are so accessible. Many early, fundamental research studies were conducted in the rocky intertidal! Let’s explore the early ecologist’s playground together!
There’s a myriad of information available on rocky intertidal ecosystems, and we’ll dive right in (metaphorically—please do not attempt to dive into tide pools). We’ll look at each zone of the rocky intertidal individually and learn about how each group is adapted to its environment!
Students will have the opportunity to create their very own biological or ecological research proposal related to the rocky intertidal, allowing them to practice their scientific thinking and writing skills!
Join us to discover the appeal of the rocky intertidal!
For a list of scientific skills students will develop, see the What to Expect tab.
What to expect in the Required section in the classroom each week:
- One forum—in which students are given the opportunity to reflect upon the week’s material or research a relevant organism or relationship.
One quiz—in which students answer questions related to the week’s material.
What to expect in the Highly Suggested & Optional sections in the classroom each week:
- Curated resources, including websites & videos, are provided to excite learners and to add depth to the subject matter.
What to expect during the weekly webinar:
- Weekly webinars are 50 minutes long. Webinars are recorded and are available for students with schedule conflicts.
- Primary instruction and guided discussions are provided during live webinars.
- Active Participation (via the microphone and chat) in online class discussions.
- An activity at the end of the webinar.
Scientific skills students will develop:
- General knowledge of ecological theory, zonation, taxonomy, and species common in the rocky intertidal.
- Scientific, inquiry-based thinking.
- Scientific writing in terms of writing a research proposal.
- Research using general Internet sources.
Before taking this course, students should be able to:
- Read at a solid 5th-grade level or above.
- Write several paragraphs independently.
Students should be willing to:
- Actively participate (via the microphone) in the class discussion.
- Encourage class discussion by adding their questions/ideas in the chat window during the webinar.
- Respond with positive and encouraging comments on their classmates’ posts in the classroom forums.
Required books & materials:
- Any readings will be online, no textbook required.