Teaching Overview
Learning Points
- Sargassum seaweed is a type of brown algae that grows in the open ocean and forms large, free-floating mats that benefit marine and coastal ecosystems.
- Since 2011, large volumes of sargassum have been washing up on beaches across the Caribbean, Mexico and Florida, negatively impacting coastal communities and ecosystems.
- Sargassum blooms may be caused by factors like warming oceans, changing currents, and increased nutrients in the water.
Curriculum Keywords
- sargassum
- algal bloom
- decomposition
Spark a Discussion
- What is sargassum?
- What is a sargassum bloom, and why might they be becoming larger and more frequent?
- How do sargassum blooms affect coastlines?
More From Twig Science Reporter
Watch This Episode in Spanish
Use this version of the episode in Spanish to support the teaching of bilingual classes.
Credits
- University of South Florida Optical Oceanography Lab
Discover More About Topics Covered in This Week's Episode
Classroom Resources
Use these resources to get the most out of the episode and engage your class in topical science!
Video Viewing Guide
This graphic organizer supports your students to capture their thoughts and questions as they watch the episode.
Access the GuideMake Your Own Science Episode
This simple guide helps your students to create their very own science episodes.
Access the GuideLanguage and Literacy Activities
This guide gives you ideas for how the episode can be used to support language and literacy activities.
Access the GuideTwig Science: A Complete Pre-K–8 Program for the NGSS
Immersive Investigations With High-Quality Multimedia
- Investigating, designing, building, and understanding phenomena
- Hands-on, digital, video, and print investigations
- Synchronous/asynchronous distance learning
