Note: This lesson was originally published on an older version
of The Learning Network; the link to the related Times article
will take you to a page on the old site. Teaching ideas based on
New York Times content. Overview of Lesson Plan: In this lesson,
students experiment to discover how factors such as salinity can
affect the health and life of aquatic plants and animals. They
then discuss the importance of maintaining healthy environments
for animals living in aquariums and zoos, and evaluate the
purpose of aquariums as educational and research facilities.
Catherine Hutchings, The New York Times Learning Network Bridget
Anderson, The Bank Street College of Education in New York City
Suggested Time Allowance: 1 hour 1. View a video clip of marine
life in an aquarium and start an experiment designed to
illustrate the effects of salinity levels on living tissue;
predict how changes in water conditions might affect aquatic
animals. 2. Consider some of the pros and cons of aquariums by
reading and discussing