Phytoplankton Growth and Algal Blooms

Michelle Woods, a master's student at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, presents a lesson plan on harmful algal blooms. The lesson involves an experiment where students use water samples with varying levels of algae and fertilizer to observe phytoplankton growth. Students learn to translate qualitative observations into quantitative data using graphs. The lesson concludes with a discussion on the causes of harmful algal blooms and potential mitigation strategies.

What is the primary focus of Michelle Woods' research?

• Coral reef conservation

• Marine biodiversity

• Ocean acidification

• Harmful algal blooms

What are the three types of water samples used in the experiment?

• Saltwater, freshwater, and distilled water

• Purified water, algae water, and algae with fertilizer

• Tap water, rainwater, and seawater

• Mineral water, spring water, and river water

How do students track phytoplankton growth in the experiment?

• By taking daily pictures of the bottles

• By recording the pH level of the water

• By counting the number of fish

• By measuring water temperature

What do color changes and bubbles in the bottles indicate?

• Increase in water temperature

• Decrease in water quality

• Phytoplankton growth

• Presence of harmful bacteria

What is the purpose of extending the experiment by five days?

• To allow more time for data analysis

• To ensure students have enough time to complete their reports

• To test different types of fertilizers

• To observe adequate phytoplankton growth

How do students convert qualitative data into quantitative data?

• By performing a chemical test

• By conducting a survey

• By using a graph and table

• By using a microscope

What does a lack of color or bubbles in the purified water bottle indicate?

• Presence of algae

• Contaminated water

• No phytoplankton present

• High phytoplankton abundance

What is the expected outcome in bottles with algae and fertilizer by the end of the experiment?

• No change in phytoplankton abundance

• High abundance of phytoplankton

• Water evaporation

• Decrease in phytoplankton abundance

What is the main goal of graphing the final day data as a class?

• To compare different types of algae

• To understand the impact of fertilizers on phytoplankton growth

• To identify harmful bacteria

• To measure water temperature changes

What is one potential way humans can mitigate harmful algal blooms?

• Introducing more fish to the ecosystem

• Reducing nutrient runoff

• Increasing water temperature

• Increasing fertilizer use