Manta Ray Shoals: US Year 10-12
Advanced marine biology scenarios focused on manta rays and their ecosystems.
- Describe manta ray anatomy, physiology, and reproductive biology
- Analyse filter-feeding efficiency and energy budgets
- Evaluate evidence for manta ray intelligence and self-awareness
- Assess population dynamics and conservation status (IUCN criteria)
Duration: 3–4 lessons (50 min each)
Engagement Strategy: Virtual exhibit deep-dive, scientific literature review, data analysis workshop
- Access to Salty Sharks Manta Ray Shoals virtual world
- Peer-reviewed articles on manta ray ecology
- Population data sets from Manta Trust
- Scientific report template
Driving Question
What makes manta rays one of the most remarkable yet vulnerable species in our oceans?
Project
Students produce a scientific review paper on manta ray biology, synthesising current research findings.
Curriculum Standard
AP Biology: Ecology and evolution; NGSS HS-LS2-1: Use mathematical representations to support ecosystem claims.
Teacher's Role
- 1 Provide access to scientific databases and journal articles
- 2 Guide scientific writing process
- 3 Facilitate peer review sessions
- 4 Connect to marine biologist experts if possible
Student's Role
- 1 Explore the Manta Ray Shoals exhibit for background knowledge
- 2 Conduct a literature review on manta ray biology
- 3 Analyse population and ecological data
- 4 Write and revise a scientific review paper
Assess ability to synthesise scientific literature and communicate findings.
- 1 Comprehensive coverage of manta ray biology topics
- 2 At least 8 peer-reviewed sources cited correctly
- 3 Data analysis includes appropriate quantitative methods
- 4 Writing follows scientific paper conventions
- 5 Critical evaluation of current knowledge gaps
Design a hypothetical manta ray research study and write the methods section, including ethical considerations.
- Describe manta ray anatomy, physiology, and reproductive biology
- Analyse filter-feeding efficiency and energy budgets
- Evaluate evidence for manta ray intelligence and self-awareness
- Assess population dynamics and conservation status (IUCN criteria)
Duration: 3–4 lessons (50 min each)
Engagement Strategy: Virtual exhibit deep-dive, scientific literature review, data analysis workshop
- Access to Salty Sharks Manta Ray Shoals virtual world
- Peer-reviewed articles on manta ray ecology
- Population data sets from Manta Trust
- Scientific report template
Driving Question
What makes manta rays one of the most remarkable yet vulnerable species in our oceans?
Project
Students produce a scientific review paper on manta ray biology, synthesising current research findings.
Curriculum Standard
AP Biology: Ecology and evolution; NGSS HS-LS2-1: Use mathematical representations to support ecosystem claims.
Teacher's Role
- 1 Provide access to scientific databases and journal articles
- 2 Guide scientific writing process
- 3 Facilitate peer review sessions
- 4 Connect to marine biologist experts if possible
Student's Role
- 1 Explore the Manta Ray Shoals exhibit for background knowledge
- 2 Conduct a literature review on manta ray biology
- 3 Analyse population and ecological data
- 4 Write and revise a scientific review paper
Assess ability to synthesise scientific literature and communicate findings.
- 1 Comprehensive coverage of manta ray biology topics
- 2 At least 8 peer-reviewed sources cited correctly
- 3 Data analysis includes appropriate quantitative methods
- 4 Writing follows scientific paper conventions
- 5 Critical evaluation of current knowledge gaps
Design a hypothetical manta ray research study and write the methods section, including ethical considerations.