Activity
Aquaculture, Inputs and Outputs
Social Studies:
Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Outcomes and Experiences
SOC 2-08a: I can discuss the environmental impact of human activity and suggest ways in which we can live in a more environmentally-responsible way.
SOC 3-08a: I can identify the possible consequences of an environmental issue and make informed suggestions about ways to manage the impact
Science:
SCN 2-02a: I can use my knowledge of the interactions and energy flow between plants and animals in ecosystems, food chains and webs
SCN 3-05b: I can explain some of the processes which contribute to climate change and discuss the possible impact of atmospheric change on the survival of living things.
Duration
Materials 20 min
Copy of A Window into Aquaculture pages 14 - 19
Prepared input/output words
Aquaculture "inputs" and "outputs" Worksheets "Environmentally friendly" and "needs careful management cards”
Activity Instructions
1 Introduction: "Today, we're going to think about what goes into a Scottish fish farm - the inputs and what comes out of it - the outputs.”
2 Activity: Aquaculture Inputs and Outputs. Spilt the class into pairs/small groups.
3.Instructions:
“In your groups/pairs, cut out your 'Aquaculture Farm Input/Output’ tiles and sort the cards into two piles on the next worksheet 'inputs' (things that go into the farm to make it work) and 'outputs' (things that come out of the farm).”
“Review the answers as a class.”
"Let's think about the environment. Some of these inputs and outputs are really good for the environment, or at least neutral. Others, if not managed carefully, could cause problems. We're going to sort them again, but this time, under two new labels: 'environmentally Friendly/Neutral' and 'Needs Careful Management’."
“Go through all your original input and output cards again. For each card, decide which environmental category it belongs to.”
4.Discussion: "Let's discuss the answers” - refer to answer sheet.
Extension task
1. "Look at all the cards in your 'Needs Careful Management' pile. Based on these, what you read in the text and what you can find out on the Lantra Scotland website, what is one thing Scotland's aquaculture industry could do to turn something from the 'Needs Careful Management' pile into something more 'Environmentally Friendly/Neutral'?"
2.Activity: Pupils discuss and write down one idea. Examples: "Use fish waste to fertilise plants on land," "Use less polluting fish feed," "Use renewable energy for the farm," "Grow more seaweed near fish farms to absorb waste."
3 Ask the groups to share their best idea.
