Bioaccumulation Activity

Karen Verhey and Barb Jensen will present an interactive exercise to define bioaccumulation and to illustrate the impact this process has on organisms (animal and human) within the food chain. Through role playing in which all of the children assume the part of either “little fish”, “big fish” or Ospreys the participants are guided through an activity in which they investigate and learn about the food chain as well as the role that contaminates, pollution and our numerous human activities play in affecting the environment and, in turn, affect ourselves. To make the lesson of personal interest and one to which the children can relate both the Michigan Osprey population and the recent Reintroduction Program are emphasized and used as examples to explain the local impact of bioaccumulation.

This bioaccumulation activity involves minimal site preparation and requires only a few props that are provided by the presenters. The exercise is adaptable to various age levels and to both indoor and outdoor venues. An approximate group size of 25 children per session is an ideal number but groups of more or less can be accommodated. A half hour per session is required for the activity to be completed but more time is recommended for discussion, questions and answers, etc.

Past presentations include the Clinton River Water Festival 2007-2009, the Rouge River Water Festival 2008, Kensington Farm Camp 2008 and third and fourth grade classrooms in both Huron Valley and So. Lyon School Districts in 2009. Future presentations are planned for the Rouge River Water Festival 2009 and Hawkfest 2009 at Lake Erie Metropark.