The Algae in the Ice

Overview

Students will sing a song and engage in an active game to learn more about ice algae and its role in the arctic ecosystem.

Objective

Students will learn about the arctic ecosystem, particularly the roles of ice algae, plankton, krill, fish, birds, seals, whales and polar bears through song and active participation.

Preparation

Review the song 'The Algae in the Ice' (attached), sung to the tune of 'The Farmer in the Dell'.

Description

Circle Game: Ten children (or more) join hands and dance around the algae who stands in the center of the circle as they sing. At the end of the first verse, the algae chooses the plankton, who joins the algae inside the circle. At the end of the next verse, the plankton takes the krill, and so on, until the last verse when everyone is in the circle except the 'P Bear'(Polar Bear), who stands alone. Whoever ends up being the 'P Bear' becomes the algae for the next round.

Credits

Maggie Prevenas, prevenas [at] hawaiiantel [dot] net