New Bedford ECHO Project - ECHO programs amplify educational benefits, foster greater appreciation of local and national history and the natural environment, and assist communities in maximizing the social benefits of new technologies.

ECHO programs amplify educational benefits, foster greater appreciation of local and national history and the natural environment, and assist communities in maximizing the social benefits of new technologies.

Our Living Waters: Algae, Seaweeds, and Marine Plants

Disciplinary Focus:
Biology, Natural Science, and Life Science Curriculum

Grade Level:
Middle Grades 6-8

This science curriculum module for middle grades explores seaweeds and other marine plants. Seaweeds are members of the algae family of organisms that capture light energy through photosynthesis. Through their study, students learn:

• how food webs link ocean and terrestrial systems;
• strategies for using observation and classification to understand the natural environment; and
• tools for collecting and analyzing data.

This module consists of four Learning Experiences. In the first, students examine several samples of seaweed, discover their observable differences, and classify them according to their common and scientific names. In Learning Experience Two, students identify the physical differences between the three kinds of seaweed and explain why the structure of seaweed is important to its survival. In addition, students create a mural of the intertidal zones using seaweed pressings. In the third Learning Experience, students are introduced to carrageenan, alginates, and beta carotene-substances that are extracted from seaweeds and used by humans in a variety of products. In the fourth and final Learning Experience, students extract Cartagena from red seaweed and make "seaweed pudding." This activity provides a concrete experience that demonstrated the gelling properties of carageenan. For some students, the hands-on, real world aspect of the learning experience will be invaluable.

ECHO programs amplify educational benefits, foster greater appreciation of local and national history and the natural environment, and assist communities in maximizing the social benefits of new technologies.

What is ECHO?

ECHO is an educational and cultural enrichment initiative, annually serving thousands of children and adults in Alaska, Hawaii and Massachusetts. Established by Congress as part of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, ECHO brings innovative programs collaboratively produced by the regional cultural institutions to culturally diverse audiences. Read More