The Importance of Ocean Biodiversity and the Impact of Human Activity

The Importance of Ocean Biodiversity and the Impact of Human Activity

What do you already know about the importance of ocean biodiversity and the impact of human activity?

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to: - Understand the significance of ocean biodiversity. - Explain the role of the ocean in providing oxygen, food, and sustaining life cycles on earth. - Discuss the effects of human activity on marine life and environments. - Understand the history and impact of commercial whaling. - Become familiar with the International Whaling Commission and the moratorium on commercial whaling.

Slide 1: Ocean Biodiversity

• The ocean is home to a diverse range of species. - It plays a crucial role in providing oxygen, food, and sustaining life cycles on earth.

Slide 2: The Role of the Ocean in Sustaining Life

• Phytoplankton to blue whales, the ocean supports a variety of life forms. - It provides oxygen through photosynthesis by phytoplankton. - It is a source of food for marine organisms and humans. - It regulates climate and weather patterns.

Slide 3: Effects of Human Activity on Marine Life

• Unsustainable human activities have caused significant losses in wildlife. - Marine environments have been contaminated. - Pollution from industries and plastic waste harms marine life. - Overfishing disrupts marine food chains.

Slide 4: History and Impact of Commercial Whaling

• The commercial whaling industry in the 20th century led to a dramatic decline in whale populations. - The International Whaling Commission (IWC) adopted a moratorium on commercial whaling in 1982. - This ban prevented the extinction of whale species.

Slide 5: International Whaling Commission and the Moratorium on Commercial Whaling

• The International Whaling Commission (IWC) is responsible for conserving whales and managing whaling. - The IWC adopted a moratorium on commercial whaling to protect whale populations from further decline. - Some countries continue to violate this moratorium.

Definition List

• Ocean Biodiversity: The variety of life forms within the ocean, from microscopic phytoplankton to the immense blue whale. - Moratorium on Commercial Whaling: An international ban on commercial whaling adopted by the IWC in 1982 to prevent extinction of whale species. - International Whaling Commission (IWC): The global body charged with the conservation of whales and the management of whaling.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.