The Salt Marsh Science Project engages middle school teachers and students in authentic science experiences. Our model: Middleh School Teachers, in partnership with professional scientists, and an education coordinator conduct investigations on salt marshes .
- Monitoring the growth of the invasive reed, Phragmites in salt marshes.
- Studying the effect of salinity (salt content) levels on the growth of salt marsh vegetation.
- Assessing tidal restrictions (where human actions have obstructed the natural flow of the tide).
- Sampling fish above and below tidal restrictions to determine the impact of these restrictions on fish.
- Investigating how salt marshes are responding to rising sea level.
Curriculum Frameworks:
7-MS-LS2-2 - Ecosystems--Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics - competition/predation/parasitism/etc.
7-MS-LS2-4 - Ecosystems--Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics - ecosystem disruptions can shift pop.
7-MS-LS2-5 - Ecosystems--Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics - designs for protecting an ecosystem
7-MS-LS2-6 (MA) - Ecosystems--Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics - biodiversity limit resources for humans
8-MS-ESS1-2 - Earth's Place in the Universe - gravity and ocean tides
8-MS-ESS3-5 - Earth and Human Activity - human activities and global temperatures