Climate Change and Lakes That Look Like Pea Soup
Provided by: Field Museum|Published on: June 3, 2025
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Articles/Websites
Subjects: Biology, Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: Melanie Mancuso
Region: Chicagoland IL
Languages: English
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This article, provided by the Field Museum, discusses what would happen if Lake Michigan became overrun by slimy, green algae.
- The article discusses eutrophication and how climate change plays a role in harmful algal blooms taking over other lakes and aquatic ecosystems.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The website article links algae growth, caused by eutrophication, on bodies of water and climate change with numerous examples.
- Links to ways to reduce sewer overflow and reduce carbon footprints are included in the section discussing ways humans can make an impact. A YouTube video is also under the attached resources pertaining to sewer overflow.
Prerequisites
- Teachers may want to consider how they want their students to view the article. Students may access it via the webpage link if they have access to their own devices and the internet. Teachers can also print the article for students.
- The diagram on eutrophication does seem to be missing step #4. Teachers may want to consider creating an anchor chart showing all the steps of eutrophication and displaying it for the classroom and/or giving students their own individual copies.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Teachers may use the lesson Algal Blooms on Lake Superior to show how eutrophication is currently impacting other Great Lakes. The lesson also allows students to create their own eutrophication models.
- Teachers can access the Eutrophication and Dead Zones video through Khan Academy to further explore "dead zones" created by eutrophication.
- The article gives different ways to prevent climate change that is causing eutrophication. Students can conduct research and brainstorm other ways to prevent eutrophication and see if any other communities have found a way to combat the eutrophication process.
This resource discusses eutrophication, the algae bloom cycle in water bodies, and key natural and anthropogenic factors that cause algae to bloom, leading to eutrophication and loss of aquatic resources. The figures in the resource are not properly labeled, and the second figure has the cycle of eutrophication with distorted steps. However, the author has been able to discuss those steps clearly, and this resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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