Understanding Current Research

How might you research a problem that is part of a complex system?

In this module, building on their broad understanding of salmon decline, students now focus on one specific threat: Thiamine Deficiency Complex (TDC), a vitamin deficiency that causes high mortality in salmon eggs and fry. They learn how scientists approach complex problems by asking focused research questions about both the causes of TDC (changes in the food web) and potential interventions (thiamine treatments). By meeting actual researchers and examining the "Salmon Survival Pyramid," students understand that TDC is one of many mortality factors, but one that can be studied systematically.