Lesson: Shell Shock!

Instruct students to open the print magazines or the online presentation view. Preview the article, looking at the photos and diagrams and their captions. Have students share their observations. Can they predict what the article will be about? What questions do they have about the topic? Record their ideas and questions.

Play the video “Conchservation in the Bahamas.” After watching, discuss what they learned.

Read the article aloud to the class. Then distribute the “What and Why?” skills sheet and have students describe cause-and-effect relationships. Encourage them to consider what they learned in both the video and the article. When everyone has finished, discuss their responses. Extend the conversation by discussing broader impacts that may result if conch populations collapse. For example, conch are prey for other species, like sharks. Ask: How might those species be affected? How will local fishers be affected if conch numbers plummet?

Distribute the “Go Fish!” skills sheet so students can model how overfishing affects populations of marine animals. Discuss the idea of fishing sustainably, or using a natural resource in a way that doesn’t deplete it or damage ecosystems. Then have students complete the “Continue Your Learning” activity (available at the end of the online scrollable article), where they research a species at risk from overfishing and learn about sustainable choices. If applicable, draw attention to overfished or sustainably managed fish populations that are important to your community.

Have students complete the “The Life of a Conch” skills sheet and the “Check for Understanding.” Then discuss the postreading question: What policy changes do scientists believe could help conserve conch in the Bahamas? What obstacles might these changes face? Discuss the importance of conch to the livelihoods of local fishers and to Bahamian culture. Ask students to consider the criteria for a successful solution that supports the long-term needs of people, conch populations, and ecosystems.

⇨ SEL: This lesson plan contains social-emotional learning support related to social awareness.

⇨ VIDEO EXTRA: Watch a video about how scientists are trying to protect conch.