'The Blob' - The Story of the Pacific Heatwave

Ben M. Collins, Ascentios

This video explores the affect on seabirds of a three year ocean warming event (2013-16) in the NW Pacific. With ocean warming, a massive die off occurred based on the decline of food resources.

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Teachers will need to incorporate the video into a lesson on the causes and effects of regional ocean warming, ecosystem disruption, or the scientific process.
Video focuses on the marine heat wave called "The Blob" from 2013-2016 in the NE Pacific Ocean which led to a massive die off of birds, fish, and marine mammals. Due to climate change, ecosystem disruptions due to marine heatwaves are expected to increase in frequency and magnitude. Teachers can tie this to ecosystem-level impacts of climate change, food webs, and trophic levels. The science content is credible and the narration is from USGS research scientists.
Video follows the scientific process by analyzing cause and effects of natural observations. Ties biology to climate change. This is not an activity for students but a lesson in real life science processes. Scientists explain this content well and quite thoroughly, though teachers may need to explain some of the scientific jargon. It may be helpful for students to have some previous understanding of the food web and trophic levels. It could also be a jumping off point to explore other climate impacts that can affect ecosystems. This lesson only includes this video with no additional student or teacher support.