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Written in Chalk

Topic
  • Microbiology
  • Archaea & Eukaryotes
  • Earth Science
  • Earth History
  • Geology
Resource Type
  • Activities
  • Phenomenal Images
Level
High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IB
Favorited By
6 Users
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Description

Photo of the White Cliffs of Dover

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

Student Learning Targets
  • Examine images of phenomena, make observations, and ask questions.

  • Collaborate with peers on ideas, ask questions that require higher levels of reasoning, and develop deeper understanding of concepts.

  • Describe how both biological and geological processes affect the formation of natural structures.

Details
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

The documents for this resource meet accessibility standards in accordance with the final rule for Section 508 of the National Rehabilitation Act.
Version History
Date Published 05.23.16
Date Updated 10.23.18
Curriculum Connections
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 (2013)

I.A, II.D

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

7.2

Common Core (2010)

ELA.WHST.9-12.9

Vision and Change (2009)

DP1

Materials
Coccolithophore image (JPG) 1 MB
White Cliffs image (JPG) 1 MB
Educator Materials (PDF) 295 KB
Student Handout (PDF) 456 KB

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