South Carolina Aquarium Online Curriculum, 6th

Pre-Visit Activities : Reefs : Assessment
Sixth - Eighth Grade Online Curriculum : Watersheds

Assessment
In their pamphlets students will:

Describe a hard bottom habitat
Describe the habitat and food requirements of their target species
Describe stressors for the survival of their fish
Explain how inland watersheds can affect reef fish

Scoring Rubric (Out of 5 points):
In their pamphlets: (Each question is 1 point)

Describe a hard bottom habitat as a habitat offshore the South Carolina coast that is composed of rocky outcrops and is a home to a variety of animals: 1 point
Describe at least two of the habitat requirements of their chosen species: 1 point
Describe at least two of the food requirements of their chosen species: 1 point
Describe at least one stressor that may affect the survival of their chosen species: 1 point
Describe at least one way that inland watersheds affect their target species: 1 point
Total: 5 points

Cross-curricular Extensions

Art Extension
Along with reef fish, have students look at other animals in South Carolina that are threatened or endangered. Have them research life histories of the animal and the threats and stresses to the survival of their population, such as loss of habitat, over-fishing, boating, pollution, etc. Have students create a visual display of their findings and then hang them up in the room to create a gallery walk. Give students the opportunity to examine each other’s displays and then as a class discuss the results.

Social Studies Extension
Using the reef fish they have created a pamphlet for, have the students contact biologists and agencies in South Carolina who are responsible for researching and managing that species. Students will find out the causes to any declines in their species populations and the conservation steps currently being planned or implemented. Students will determine what part they can play in the recovery of their species. Students will write up their findings in a report.

Social Studies Extension
Students will contact local restaurants and grocery stores to see what types of fish they sell. Students will research these fish to see if any of them are in decline because of over-fishing. Students will consider the results they come up with and then write a letter to the grocery store or restaurant expressing their opinions about the fish they market.

Social Studies Extension
Have the students research actual aquatic ecosystem accidents in South Carolina. For example, in 1999 loons and other aquatic birds covered in oil began to wash ashore on the Atlantic coast. Have the students research and plot the location of the accident on a map. Students should determine the species affected by the accident. Students should determine the cleanup procedures for the species and the ecosystem and the punitive actions involved.

Language Arts Extension
Written by South Carolina Aquarium master teacher Lois Lewis a 7^th and 8^th grade teacher at Hilton Head Middle School.