Feeding Time: How Nutrients Drive Phytoplankton Growth

Stanley, Brianna

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Feeding Time: How Nutrients Drive Phytoplankton Growth

Stanley, Brianna

Abstract

Grades: 9-12 Subjects: Biology | Environmental Science | Oceanography This lesson plan helps students make the connection between the amount of nutrients present in an ecosystem and the resulting growth of phytoplankton in our coastal waters. This lesson takes this concept a step deeper, by exploring how the proportions of nitrogen and phosphorus in the environment create the ideal conditions for phytoplankton growth. Students will explore the concept of limiting factors and will work on both their graphing skills and their ability to compare ratios.