Written in Chalk

Resource Type
Description
This activity explores images of chalk formations and coccolithophores, which serve as phenomena for learning about the interactions between biological and geological processes.
Chalk forms from the microscopic skeletons of phytoplankton, such as coccolithophores. When coccolithophores die, their calcium carbonate shells sink to the seafloor and eventually become chalky sediments. Over millions of years, this process has resulted in the vast deposits of chalk found worldwide. These images show one famous chalk formation, the White Cliffs of Dover in England, and a micrograph of the coccolithophore species Emiliania huxleyi.
The “Educator Materials” document includes background information and implementation suggestions for using the images as phenomena. The “Student Handout” includes the images and background information.
“White Cliffs”/Figure 1 image by Scott Chimileski, Harvard University
“Coccolithophore”/Figure 2 image by Jeremy R. Young, University College, London
The “Resource Google Folder” link directs to a Google Drive folder of resource documents in the Google Docs format. Not all downloadable documents for the resource may be available in this format. The Google Drive folder is set as “View Only”; to save a copy of a document in this folder to your Google Drive, open that document, then select File → “Make a copy.” These documents can be copied, modified, and distributed online following the Terms of Use listed in the “Details” section below, including crediting BioInteractive.
Student Learning Targets
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Examine images of phenomena, make observations, and ask questions.
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Collaborate with peers on ideas, ask questions that require higher levels of reasoning, and develop deeper understanding of concepts.
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Describe how both biological and geological processes affect the formation of natural structures.
Key Terms
algae, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), coccolith, coccolithophore, erosion, lithification, marine biology, ocean, oceanography, phytoplankton, sedimentary rock, weathering
Terms of Use
Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.
Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)
Version History
NGSS (2013)
HS-LS4-5, HS-ESS3-5; SEP1
AP Biology (2019)
ENE-3.D, ENE-1.N, ENE-1.O, ENE-4.B, SYI-2.B; SP3
IB Biology (2016)
4.4
AP Environmental Science (2020)
Topic(s): 2.4, 2.5
Learning Objectives & Practices: ERT-2.F, ERT-2.G, SP2
IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)
7.2
Common Core (2010)
ELA.WHST.9-12.9
Vision and Change (2009)
DP1