Kelp Forest of California

 

Kelp Forest California NGSS Unit

Kelp forests are often called "ocean rain-forests". Covering large parts of world shorelines, kelp forests in North America are mostly located along the Pacific Coast of the Canadian and American coast.

As homes to thousands of marine species and sources of a wide range of commercial use, Kelp Forests are recognized as one of the most productive and dynamic ecosystems on Earth. Due to their unique ecosystem, kelp forests are perfect for teaching and exploring the interdependent relationship of species and organisms in an ecosystem.
As the starfish die-off event eliminated the top predator of sea urchins, it allowed for unchecked grazing of California kelp forest. 

 

In the past eight years, the Northern California kelp forest has been reduced by 90%.
The lack of sea otters, the keystone species of the kelp forest in Northern California further complicates the hope of the kelp forest recovery. 

Kelp Forest Unit is great for teaching interdependence of the species and organisms in an ecosystem, as well as, the important role of predators in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. 

NGSS 3-LS4-3 Habitats and Organisms Survival and 

3-LS4-4 Environmental Change Solution 

• What is Kelp?
• Parts of Kelp
• Kelp Forest Reading
• World Kelp Forest Habitats
• Ecological balance and the Kelp forest decline
• Kelp forest and climate change
• Kelp forest keystone species
• Kelp forest food web
• Post lesson short answers and multiple choice questions
• Post lesson reflections
• Kelp plant parts activity

 

Kelp Forest Unit

Have Fun Reading!

Mrs. Lena, M.Ed.

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