Description:
Using online resources, students review background information on the Great American Fish Count to find out what this annual event is all about. They study maps showing water temperature variations in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and predict whether or not there will be different fish species in different parts of the sanctuary. Continuing to use online resources, they list the ten most common fish species for each island group or island, and analyze their results to figure out how significantly species vary as water temperature varies. They report their findings in writing. Next, they study maps of the oil-production facilities and artificial reefs off the Santa Barbara coast and among the Channel Islands, and consider how close the oil facilities are to the sanctuary. They research the effects that proximity of oil rigs might have on the sanctuary, then make recommendations at a simulated public hearing.

Organization:
National Geographic Society

URL:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/seas/index.html?classroom:main

Contact:
education@nationalgeographic.com, 1145 17th St. NW, Washington DC 20036; Phone: (202) 857-7000 

Cost:
Free over the Internet

Education Level:
Grades 9-12

Subject:
Biology
Environmental Science
Geography
Land Use
Oceanography - Biological
Pollution
Population Growth

Resource Type:
Internet Site
Curriculum/Instructional Materials

Date Added to teachearth.com:
12/10/00