Marine Creature Creation Lab: Adaptive Design Challenge
Overview
Students will design and create a 3D model of a novel marine organism adapted to a specific aquatic life zone. This creature must fill an ecological niche and demonstrate evidence-based adaptations for survival, energy acquisition, and nutrient cycling in their assigned environment. All design choices must be defended with scientific reasoning and research.
Learning Objectives
· Define ecological problems and generate testable questions about marine environments
· Use evidence from research to justify adaptive features
· Apply knowledge of marine life zones and their characteristics
· Demonstrate understanding of form-function relationships
· Practice evidence-based argumentation in scientific design
Part 1: Research & Planning
Zone Assignment Options:
· Intertidal Zone (extreme conditions, tidal exposure)
· Neritic Zone - Coral Reef (high biodiversity, nutrient-poor)
· Neritic Zone - Kelp Forest (high productivity, seasonal changes)
· Oceanic Zone - Photic (open water, nutrient-limited)
· Oceanic Zone - Aphotic (no light, pressure, cold)
· Benthic Zone - Abyssal (extreme pressure, chemosynthesis)
· Estuary (variable salinity, high nutrients)
Research Phase - Defining Questions:
Generate at least 5 research questions about your zone, such as:
· What ecological niches remain unfilled?
· What are the main challenges to survival?
Research Requirements:
1. Zone characteristics with specific data (depth range, temperature range, pressure, light availability, nutrient concentrations)
2. Catalog of existing organisms and their adaptations
3. Available energy sources and nutrient cycling patterns
4. Environmental challenges ranked by severity
5. Identification of unfilled or underutilized niches
Part 2: Creature Design with Evidence-Based Reasoning
Basic Information:
· Creature name: ____________________________________________________________
· Assigned zone: _____________________________________________________________
· Size (with justification): _____________________________________________________
· Primary diet/energy source: _________________________________________________
· Role in ecosystem: _________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
· Specific ecological problem this creature solves: _____________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Adaptive Features- each feature must answer the following questions:
1. Movement/Locomotion
· Feature description
· Evidence/Reasoning: Cite specific environmental pressures (e.g., current speeds, pressure at depth) that necessitate this adaptation
· Supporting research: Include 2+ examples from real organisms with similar adaptations
· Counter-argument addressed: Why wouldn't other locomotion methods work?
· Trade-offs: What does the organism sacrifice for this adaptation?
2. Feeding/Energy Acquisition
· Feature description
· Evidence/Reasoning: What data about food availability supports this method?
· Supporting research: Examples from similar feeding strategies in nature
· Efficiency argument: Why is this the best option for your niche?
· Quantitative support: Energy calculations or feeding rates if possible
3. Protection/Defense
· Feature description
· Evidence/Reasoning: What specific predators/dangers does this address?
· Supporting research: Effectiveness data from similar defenses
· Cost-benefit analysis: Energy cost vs. survival benefit
4. Reproduction/Life Cycle
· Feature description
· Evidence/Reasoning: How do zone conditions drive this strategy?
· Supporting research: Success rates of similar strategies
· Alternative strategies refuted: Why not other reproductive methods?
5. Special Adaptation (Unique to Zone)
· Feature description
· Evidence/Reasoning: Zone-specific data that requires this adaptation
· Innovation justification: Why hasn't this evolved in existing organisms?
· Feasibility argument: Physical/biological constraints considered
Ecological Niche Defense:
· What specific problem does your creature solve that isn't currently addressed? Provide evidence.
· How does filling this niche benefit the ecosystem?
· What existing organisms might compete, and why does your design outcompete them?
Part 3: 3D Model Creation
Using the materials provided, create a 3D rendering of your creature. Sketch in the space below and include labels in your diagram.
Model Requirements:
· All adaptive features clearly visible and labeled
· Scale bar or reference object for size
· Color/texture that reflects environment with justification
· Accompanying diagram with annotations
· Cross-section or detail view of at least one complex adaptation
Part 4: Presentation
Presentation Components:
1. Problem Definition
· Specific ecological problem identified
· Research questions that guided design
· Evidence of niche availability
2. Zone Analysis
· Key environmental data
· Major challenges
3. Creature Introduction
· Name, size, and basic description
· Ecological role with supporting data
· Energy budget overview
4. Adaptation Defense
· Present main features with supporting evidence
· Share research examples
· Explain trade-offs
5. Ecosystem Integration (1 minute)
· Food web position with evidence
· Nutrient cycling role with data
· Predicted population dynamics
Assessment Rubric
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Standard
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Level 2
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Level 3
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Level 4
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SP5 - Evidence-Based Arguments
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• Basic reasoning for adaptations
• 1-2 examples cited
• Limited use of data
• Superficial evidence
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• Clear evidence for each feature
• Multiple examples cited
• Uses environmental data
• Addresses some counter-arguments
• Sources properly cited
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• Sophisticated arguments with extensive evidence
• Quantitative data supports all claims
• Addresses trade-offs and limitations
• Refutes alternative designs
• Published research integrated throughout
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SP1 - Defining Questions & Problems
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• Identifies basic niche
• Asks simple questions
• General problem stated
• Limited research scope
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• Defines specific ecological problem
• Generates testable questions
• Clear design constraints
• Good research questions
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• Identifies novel/complex niche
• Sophisticated, layered questions
• Multiple interconnected problems
• Research questions drive design
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