How are people in the community impacted?.Why are the sea lions eating the salmon?.Come back together to compare answers and discuss each of the differing perspectives. ( Graphs from Army Corps of Engineers study cited on Northwest Power and Conservation Council )Ĥ. What do you see? Help students draw connections between the increase in sea lions with the increase in salmon consumed compared to the previous 10 years. Support students in the reading and interpreting of the graphs. While not included in the Army Corp of Engineers’ article, encourage students to also think about how this issue impacts fishermen (recreational and commercial), as well as local tribal communities (Umatilla, Nez Perce, Warm Springs, Grand Ronde, Siletz and Yakama).ģ. Using the attached sheet, have students work in teams to read about the problem and make notes about the sea lions, salmon and scientists. Sea lion eating salmon (photo Seattle Times)Ģ. You can show pictures of the Bonneville Dam and Willamette Falls to help them get a sense of the structure and location. Begin class by reading through the challenge with your students.
Time: 1 hour INTRODUCING and EXPLORING THE ANCHORING PHENOMENONġ. GRADE LEVEL: 5 (modifications could be made to adjust to a 3rd or 4th grade lesson but would require more teacher support with the text and notes and more of a focus on life cycles and ecosystem dynamics) The explanation of the phenomenon comes at the end as they learn that this is a real-life scenario that is playing out in their own communities.ĭiscussion on this scientific phenomenon could also offer entry points into conversations around economics, government, and Oregon’s tribal communities, cultures, and history. This lesson starts with students being challenged to think like scientists and develop a solution to a given problem based on information. Recently, Oregon was granted legal permission to lethally remove sea lions in an effort to protect the fish. Sea lions have eaten tens of thousands of fish in these areas and are eating endangered fish potentially to extinction.
Scientists study the rates of migration and numbers of sea lions and have been trying various methods of discouraging the sea lions from eating the salmon. They are traveling long distances to the Bonneville Dam and Willamette Falls to feast on the migrating salmon that are slowed by these barriers. In the last few years, sea lions have been traveling from the Pacific to feed on the migrating salmon and other fish. They are also vital to many tribal communities, including Yakama, Umatilla, Warm Springs, Grand Ronde, Nez Perce and Siletz, and important to recreational and commercial fisherman. Salmon are a crucial part of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers ecosystems. Developed by Natalie Wolf - Elementary school teacher Overview
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