Wordsplash: Harmful Algal Blooms Increasing
This "wordsplash" activator is a collection of key terms from an article from Oregon State University news, which students will use in predicting the relationship between each term and the broader topic.
Objectives
Students will
  • predict the relationship between the key terms and the overall topic, "Eutrophication."
  • check the accuracy of their predictive statements and revise where needed.
Materials
Wordsplash resource
Wordsplash activator Article, "Bad water suffocated Virginia reef"
Procedure
1.  Hand out the wordsplash activator and allow the students about 5 minutes to brainstorm and generate complete statements (not just words or phrases) which predict the relationship betweeen each term and the broader concept,"Eutrophication."
2.  After the 5 minute brainstorming session have the students read the article to check the accuracy of their predictive statements, and revise where needed.
References
OSU News & Communications, http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ncs/
State Standards
1.5.2- The student will explain scientific concepts and processes through drawing, writing, and/or oral communication.
1.5.6- The student will read a technical selection and interpret it appropriately.
3.5.3- The student will investigate how natural and man-made changes in environmental conditions will affect individual organisms and the dynamics of populations.
Lesson Resources
Article
Wordsplash