Format
1. This program begins with an introduction to the decline of the Steller sea lion population.
2. We will then discuss what Alaska SeaLife Center researchers are looking at as possible causes.
3. We will then investigate actual, cleaned sea lion scat.
4. We will process the scat and ID bones, determine length, weight, and calories of some of the fish that were eaten.
5. This session concludes with a question and answer period while observing our resident Steller sea lions.
Objectives
-Students will experience how animal scat can be used in scientific studies to provide clues about diet and foraging behavior of the animal
-Students will explore how Steller sea lion scat can reveal information about the species, weight, and size of fish the sea lion has consumed
-Students will engage in dissecting pre-cleaned sea lion scat and analyzing its contents
Standards Alignment
National Standards
The following National Academic Standards are addressed within this program.
Science as inquiry
-Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
-Understandings about scientific inquiry
Life Science
-Regulation and behavior
-Populations and ecosystems
-Diversity and adaptations of organisms
Science and Technology
-Abilities of technological design
-Understandings about science and technology