Interacting Relationships in Ecosystems Real-World Case Study | Life Science | Grades 6–8

This Real-World Case Study asks grades 6–8 Middle School Life Science students to weigh a real decision about Interacting Relationships in Ecosystems and defend a solution with evidence.

Scenario: Along the rocky coast of Northern California, lush underwater forests of bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) historically grew up to 30 meters tall, providing essential food, shelter, and nursery habitat for red abalone, rockfish, cabazon, and dozens of marine invertebrates. For centuries, two top predators—sea otters and the… Key question: "How could wildlife managers design a compromise plan that restores keystone predation to save the kelp forests while addressing the economic concerns of local crab fishermen?"

What's inside: the scenario, 5 questions to consider, an answer key, arguments for and against for the teacher, and teacher notes.

Resource type: Case Study (.docx). Format: editable Microsoft Word handout with approximately 990 words (~6 pages).

Classroom use: independent response, small-group comparison, and a whole-class debate in a Middle School Life Science course. Grades 6–8.

Format note: These files are delivered in Microsoft Office formats (Word and/or PowerPoint). If you open a worksheet that includes tables in Apple Pages or another non-Microsoft app, table formatting may not display correctly. For best results, use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint (or upload the file to Google Docs). If you run into any formatting issues, contact us and we can send a PDF version.