Discover Ecosystem Modelling with a Plankton Ecologist

Information about this Science Story

Resources: 13 Suitable Ages: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
Topics: Deoxygenation, Biodiversity, Ocean, Climate, Freshwater, Ocean Chemistry, Ecosystem Services, Nutrient Pollution

Objectives and Outcomes

Learning Outcomes
Explain why scientists use models to study aquatic ecosystems
Understand what different kinds of models there are and what they are used for (conceptual vs. simulation)
Identify the key parts of a simple simulation model and what they represent
Build and run a basic model to see how it works

Introductory gif of ProBleu Science Story

Meet the team

The scientists/ educators behind this Science Story:

Name: Amy Kenworthy .
Role: Presenter/ Science Communicator .
About: Amy is a project manager and science communicator with experience managing international projects that address various pressures on the marine environment. She also develops and delivers ocean literacy activities for schools and diverse audiences.

Name: Professor Kevin Flynn .
Role: Plankton Ecologist .
About: “I am a plankton ecologist, originally trained as an algal physiologist, who works primarily using simulation modelling approaches. I am especially interested in developing plankton digital twins, through which in silico experiments can be conducted to enhance mechanistic understanding and aid education and ecosystem management.” .

Background

Ecosystem modelling allows us to see how different parts of an ecosystem are connected and how changes affect the whole system .
Modelling encourages critical thinking, testing ideas, and analysing outcomes .
Ecosystem modelling links to real-world issues, such as climate change and pollution .
Pupils experimenting with ecosystem modelling gain experience with data, technology, and computational thinking .
Simulations are interactive and allow exploration of processes that wouldn’t be possible in real life .

Downloadable Science Story

This Science Story includes videos and activities that link to each other. Videos in this lesson plan provide background knowledge for the activities. We suggest watching the videos and choosing the activities that best suit your class or adapting them to suit your class.