Algae, Friend or Foe?

Carolyn Holcomb Standards

A.1. Design, analyze, or carry out simple investigations and formulate appropriate conclusions based on data obtained or provided.

A.1.B Identify general distinctions among organisms that support classifying some things as plants, some as animals, and some that do not fit neatly into either group.

B.1.a. Use microscopes or other magnifying instruments to observe, describe,and compare the cellular composition of different body tissues and organs in a variety of organisms.

Background Knowledge Resources

In this unit information on the characteristics of algae. They will begin by investigating basic algal morphology.

Students will then expand their knowledge to include the universal characteristics present in all species of algae.

the students will obtain basic

Labs Can you name that scum?

Objective: Students will use a microscope forms of algae on prepared slides .

and an identification guide to correctly identify three

Objective

Upon completion of this unit students should:

•Demonstrate knowledge of the basic characteristics

of algae.

•Cite evidence to defend or oppose placing algae in

the kingdom protista.

• Use a microscope to successfully identify three

species of algae

•And demonstrate an understanding of the

beneficial contributions of algae to the environment.

General Information What are algae?

Algae are any of various chiefly aquatic eukaryotic, photosynthetic organisms, ranging in size from single-celled forms to giant kelp.

What are algae’s basic characteristics?

• • • • •

Algae have three basic morphologies: 1. Unicellular 2. Filamentous 3. Colonial Algae have cell walls made of cellulose OR silica Algae do NOT reproduce with seeds Algae are non vascular Algae do NOT have true roots, stems, or leaves A

Taxonomic Anomaly

Using a graphic organizer, students will use their knowledge of the plant and protista kingdom to characterize algae.

Algae, a multipurpose friend!

Too much of a good thing…

Algal blooms can lead to a depletion of dissolved oxygen, causing problems for aquatic plants and animals.

RESOURCES www.umes.edu/crest www.thefreedictionary.com/algae http://water.me.vccs.edu/courses/env108/lesson2_3.htm

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I wish to thank the following for their outstanding work and research in their fields: Dr. Andrea Johnson, CISCEP Associate Director Dr. Paulinus Chigbu, CISCEP Director Dr. Joseph Pitula Dr. Madhumi Mitra Kerrie Bunting Program Coordinator Christopher Daniels, CISCEP Boat Captain Common, unflattering, names used to refer to algae include “sea weed” and “pond scum”