In 2015, Peter Cook found that sea lions with high levels of exposure to toxins suffered permanent brain damage if they survived at all. Scholars learn about the accumulation of toxins at various levels of the food chain. Using marshmallows to simulate toxins, pupils answer questions about the cumulative effects over time.

Concepts

toxic chemicals, bioaccumulation

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Pre-teach exponents and scientific notation if pupils are not comfortable using both

Classroom Considerations

• Relies on prior knowledge of the food chain
• Includes a file that works on SMART boards, but it is not required to complete the lesson

Pros

• Highlights vocabulary words in bold
• Connects the idea of toxin buildup to the concept of needing balance in all types of foods

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.3 RST.6-8.4 RST.9-10.3 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.3 RST.11-12.4