Format
1. The program begins with an introduction to Steller's eiders and their population status.
2. We then describe some of the husbandry work here at the Alaska SeaLife Center.
3. We explore the link between husbandry, labwork and fieldwork as we look at how scientists are studying the effects of salinity on newly hatched eider ducklings.
4. Students estimate the salinity of a water sample, measure the size of a duckling, and look for eider food in a (virtual) pond sample.
5. There is always time for student questions!
Objectives
Participants will...
... understand the current population status of Steller's eiders in Alaska.
... develop an appreciation for increasing salinity levels in the coastal Alaskan tundra ecosystem.
... understand how scientists monitor duckling growth and use that as a tool for assessing duckling health..
Standards Alignment
National Standards
Next Generation Science Standards:
3-LS4-3
4-LS1-1
MS-LS1-4
MS-LS1-5
MS-LS2-1
State Standards
Alaska Science Performance Standards:
[3-5] SA 1.1, 1.2
[3-5] SA 3.1
[4] SC2.1
[3-5] SC2.2
[6-8] SA 1.1
[8] SC2.2
[9-11] SA 1.1
[9-10] SC 2.3