Dead fish in tank mystery -Nitrogen cycle (Casey Hayes)

Author

Casey Hayes

Principle(s) Illustrated

• Modeling Ecosystems

• Nitrogen cycle

• Good and bad bacteria

• Hypothesis testing

• photosynthesis

Standards

Questioning Script

Prior knowledge & experience:

They see a dead fish but no exact evidence that it came from anything

They know that nutrients cycle through the biosphere

Students know the levels of organization in the ecosystem where the bacteria are decomposers.

Root question:

Students will think that

Target response:

Students will see that the waste from plants and animas contribute to pollution in the tank specifically nitrogen build up.

They will check to see how certain enzymes and concentration of certain molecules can account for a tremendous change in the survivability of organisms.

Students can see that the environment is not self contained and require a level of effort from outside sources.

Common Misconceptions:

The fish were infected beforehand

Magic/ invisible predators or parasite

Photographs and Movies

Applications to everyday live

Discrepant event that truly hangs your fish in the balance you diligence and active monitoring of wildlife. The tropical fish are often found outside of their natural environment, but technology has allowed us to keep them in aquariums.

References

API instruction Manuel

Aquarium city fish