Summary
The Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt, a 5,000-mile-long belt of seaweed weighing more than 11 million tons, is threatening to wreak havoc in the coastal waters and beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. It's so big that it can be seen from space, spanning the tropical Atlantic from West Africa to the Caribbean. For a transcript of this story, click here . News wrap alternative : Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching! You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.Five Facts
- Who is interviewed for this story, and what is his background?
- What is the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt?
- Where is the Sargassum Belt currently?
- When and why does sargassum start to form?
- How does oceanographer Ajit Subramaniam describe the effects of sargassum on the environment?
Focus Questions
What do you think should be done to address some of the serious concerns related to sargassum? Media literacy : What are some other types of images you would like to see of sargassum that could help explain its significance? Alternative : See, Think, Wonder : What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?For More
What students can do : Discuss with a peer or family member the significance of sargassum. Think how you will explain the problem to them. What information will you include? What questions could you ask your family member or peer to further discussion about environmental issues facing the planet?Student Video of the Day via Student Reporting Labs
Did you know that only 5% of the Earth's oceans are mapped? The Ocean Exploration Trust, a group comprised of marine scientists and students, is working specifically to map the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary in California. The crew often discovers new wildlife on their expeditions in this biodiverse region nicknamed the "Galapagos of North America," but in 2016, they encountered a very peculiar and mysterious life form: a luminous purple blob.Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources. Sign up for NewsHour Classroom’s ready-to-go Daily News Lessons delivered to your inbox each morning.
