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Exploring Primary Productivity with Data

Through these activities, we will explore primary productivity in greater detail. Primary productivity is the rate at which organisms store energy through the formation of organic matter (carbon-based compounds), using energy derived from solar radiation during photosynthesis or from chemical reactions during chemosynthesis.

Resources

Primary Productivity Activities

Chlorophyll colored water off the coast of Brazil

Invitation Concept Map of Primary Productivity

Develop a concept map of your current knowledge and experience with primary productivity.

Graph of data from the Endurance Array

Primary Productivity Exploration Data Activity

Conduct an open-ended exploration of primary productivity by looking at 3-wavelength fluorometer data from the Northern Pacific Ocean.

Graph of chlorophyll data from the temperate ocean

Chlorophyll Patterns in Temperate Oceans Concept Invention Data Activity

Investigate patterns in chlorophyll a concentrations, as proxy for phytoplankton biomass, over time in the northern temperate Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

Graph of chlorophyll data from the polar ocean

Chlorophyll Patterns in Polar Oceans Concept Invention Data Activity

Investigate patterns in chlorophyll a concentrations, as proxy for phytoplankton biomass, over time in the southern polar Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

Graph of fluorometry data

Comparing Regional Chlorophyll Patterns Application Data Activity

Explore chlorophyll a concentrations data over time and across different locations to investigate regional differences and similarities in productivity.

An example concept map diagram

Reflection Concept Map of Primary Productivity

Develop/revise a concept map of your knowledge and experience with primary productivity after completing the unit.