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'The Blob' - The Story of the Pacific Heatwave
https://vimeo.com/390626324

Ben M. Collins, Ascentios

This video explores the affect on seabirds of a three year ocean warming event (2013-16) in the NW Pacific. With ocean warming, a massive die off occurred based on the decline of food resources.

Video length is 9:29 minutes

Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness»


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Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy | Technical Details

Teaching Tips

  • Teachers will need to incorporate the video into a lesson on the causes and effects of regional ocean warming, ecosystem disruption, or the scientific process.

About the Content

  • Video focuses on the marine heat wave called "The Blob" from 2013-2016 in the NE Pacific Ocean which led to a massive die off of birds, fish, and marine mammals.
  • Due to climate change, ecosystem disruptions due to marine heatwaves are expected to increase in frequency and magnitude.
  • Teachers can tie this to ecosystem-level impacts of climate change, food webs, and trophic levels.
  • The science content is credible and the narration is from USGS research scientists.

About the Pedagogy

  • Video follows the scientific process by analyzing cause and effects of natural observations. Ties biology to climate change.
  • This is not an activity for students but a lesson in real life science processes.
  • Scientists explain this content well and quite thoroughly, though teachers may need to explain some of the scientific jargon.
  • It may be helpful for students to have some previous understanding of the food web and trophic levels.
  • It could also be a jumping off point to explore other climate impacts that can affect ecosystems.
  • This lesson only includes this video with no additional student or teacher support.
Entered the Collection: May 2021 Last Reviewed: November 2020

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