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[Grades: 6-8] Students tackle a real problem: algae taking over a Florida river that manatees depend on. #
This interactive lesson from WEDU looks at Crystal River on Florida’s Nature Coast, the largest winter refuge for manatees on the Gulf Coast. Unwanted algae has changed the river’s habitat, and students work through a ‘Remove, Restore, Maintain’ process to fix it. It includes a three-step challenge and a final assignment, which makes it a strong problem-solving project.
How to Use This Resource #
1. Introduce manatees and the river with a short video or photos before starting.
2. Have teams work through the Three-Step Challenge together.
3. Extend it by asking students to apply the same process to a local creek, canal, or pond.
