Global Phytoplankton Distribution Story Map

Overview

Using various visualizations (i.e., images, charts, and graphs), students will explore global phytoplankton distribution using chlorophyll concentration data. Students will investigate the processes that allow phytoplankton populations to thrive, as well as how their role in the carbon cycle impacts the other spheres of the Earth System. This story map is intended to be used with students who have access to a computing device in a 1:1 or 1:2 setting.

Materials Required

Resources Needed Per Student:

• Student Data Sheet
• Computer/Tablet
• Internet Access
• Link to Global Phytoplankton Distribution Story Map

Directions

1. Using an internet accessible device, students open the link to the Global Phytoplankton Distribution Story Map to begin their exploration of this phenomenon.
2. Distribute the Global Phytoplankton Distribution Story Map Student Sheet. Have students navigate on their own through the Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate tabs of the story map to answer the questions and complete the activities on their student sheet.

Teacher Note

At the bottom of the ocean's food chain, phytoplankton account for roughly half of the net photosynthesis on Earth. Their photosynthesis consumes carbon dioxide and plays a key role in transferring carbon from the atmosphere to the ocean. Unlike the plant ecosystems on land, the amount of phytoplankton in the ocean is always followed closely by the abundance of organisms that eat phytoplankton, creating a perpetual dance between predators and prey. 

To learn more, visit: 

• The Phytoplankton Distribution Phenomena page for background information

Teachers who are interested in receiving the answer key, please complete the Teacher Key Request and Verification Form. We verify that requestors are teachers prior to sending access to the answer keys as we’ve had many students try to pass as teachers to gain access.

Complementary Lesson Plans