Students will conduct research using the web and printed articles and watch video clips from the COSEE module to learn about current seagrass restoration and preservation techniques. As a small group, they will come up with ideas for restoring and protecting seagrasses on various scales and at various locations.

Objective

Students will be able to explain how:

• Humans can reverse damage to seagrass beds through various restoration techniques and prevent damage through preservation

Materials

• Class copies of the Bay Grass Restoration Newsletter and any other useful articles-see Lesson Resources for suggestions.
• Student copies of Student Worksheet
• Computer Lab with internet access, preferably one computer for each student

Procedure

1. Bookmark the COSEE module website and direct the students to the “current research” tab.  Print out copies of the Bay Grass Restoration Newsletter (download in Lesson Resources section below) and other relevant articles (some links provided in References section).
2. Give students copies of Student Worksheet (download below) and split them into 5 Groups.  Each student should look at the entire collection of materials, but is responsible for getting details and the full story for one of the case studies.  
3. When the students have completed their research, have them mix up (a #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 in each new group) and share what they have found with each other.
4. Hand out a Scenario Card (download below) to each group and have them come up with the best solution for each site, based on the research that each individual has conducted. Each scenario is similar to the situations discussed in the website.
5. Answer Key:

• Scenario #1: Similar to FL Bird Stakes case study, try using Bird Stakes for restoration
• Scenario #2: Extra protection needed, use TERFS method for restoration
• Scenario #3: BuDS method: Good environment for seeding but time and money a concern
• Scenario #4: Seagrass is fine, just protection and Conservation needed
• Scenario #5: Similar environment to VA coastal bays, Seed Broadcasting will be the cheapest and will probably work

References

• COSEE Coastal Trends Seagrass Module, http://www1.coseecoastaltrends.net/modules/seagrass/get_started/ McGlathery video Interview, http://www.virginia.edu/uvatoday/newsRelease.php?id=2467
• Seagrass Recovery Website, http://www.seagrassrecovery.com/solutions.htm , also click on “FAQs”
• Nature Conservancy Article, http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/texas/press/press2863.html
• University of Rhode Island Restoration, http://www.edc.uri.edu/restoration/html/tech_sci/restsea.htm
• San Francisco Bay Restoration, http://ciceet.unh.edu/progressreports/2007/3_2007/boyer05/

National Science Education Standards

9-12 C. Life Science: Interdependence of organisms; Behavior of organisms 

9-12 F. Science in Personal and Social Perspecitives: Personal and community health; Population growth; Natural resources; Environmental quality; Natural and human induced hazards; Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges

Lesson Resources

Bay Grass Restoration Newsletter

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Scenario Cards

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Student Worksheet