Keeping Lakes Open

In this middle school task, students analyze data to determine how harmful algal blooms in New York waterways can affect biodiversity and human access to recreational waterways. Students consider changes in the ecosystem that contribute to harmful algal blooms along with four existing beef cattle production/industry practices for conservation management. Students select a combination of two practices and use empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support or refute an argument about how combining conservation practices could contribute to protecting water quality and biodiversity in water ecosystems. This is an updated version of the Water Stewardship Task. This task intends to elicit student learning of the following NGSS dimensions:

Disciplinary Core Ideas – LS2C-M1: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning and Resilience (MS) and LS4.D-M1: Biodiversity and Humans (MS)

Science and Engineering Practices – Engaging in Arguments from Evidence (MS) and Developing and Using Models (MS)

Crosscutting Concepts – Stability and Change (MS) and Patterns (MS)

New York State P-12 Standards – MS-LS-2 and MS-LS2-5

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