Education Technology


JASON: Disappearing Kelp Forest

Activity Overview

From Shore to Sea: Examine the relationship between kelp plants and sea urchins, and the effects of severe El Niño events on their populations by using data collected by researchers at Johnson's Lee South on the island of Santa Rosa.

Before the Activity

See the attached teacher document (pdf file) for notes and guidelines for this activity.

Print and copy the attached activity document and research article (pdf files) for your class. The research article is in the during the activity section below.

During the Activity

Students will:

  • Examine the relationship between kelp plants and sea urchins, and the effects of severe El Nino events on their populations
  • Use data collected by researchers at Johnson's Lee South on the island of Santa Rosa
  • Examine the data and use the TI-73 Explorer™ to graph and analyze the values


  • Directions
  • Distribute the activity document and research article to your class
  • Read and discuss the research article
  • Follow the activity procedures outlined in the student document
  • After the Activity

  • Students complete the data analysis section of the activity
  • Discuss the results of the data analysis with your students