SUMMARY
In the past two decades, the oyster population in Mississippi’s Gulf waters has been devastated by both natural and manmade disasters. Among those working to restore oyster habitats is ninth grader Demi Johnson, who was recently recognized by the National Geographic Society for growing more than 1,000 oysters, which are likely to spawn millions more.
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WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Where does Demi grow her oysters?
- When does the oyster season begin and end in Mississippi's Gulf waters?
- What benefits do oysters bring to the environment?
- How does Demi raise the oysters?
- Why are oyster reefs important?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
How can students and local community members get involved in environmental restoration movements?
Media literacy: Are there any proposed laws or local organizations in your city or state that focus on environmental restoration projects like Demi's oyster gardening project? How could you go about looking for this information?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
FOR MORE
What students can do: Learn more about the importance of oysters and recycled materials to protect the environment. In this video, oyster shells are used to preserve Louisana's eroding shoreline and to protect tribal lands.
This post was written by Raegan Lusk, a senior at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, and an intern with PBS NewsHour Classroom, and edited by NewsHour's Vic Pasquantonio.
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