Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some engaging questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of algae. Please consider the following:
- Have you ever heard of algae or seen it in your daily life? If so, where?
- Do you know anyone who works in the fishing or aquaculture industry? What do they do?
- Have you ever thought about where the food you eat comes from and how it’s produced? Do you think it’s sustainable?
- Are you concerned about the environment and climate change? Do you think there are ways to reduce our impact on the planet?
- Have you ever learned about photosynthesis and how plants produce oxygen? Do you think this process is important for our planet?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Look at the featured image at the top of this page. What do you see in the image? What do you think this activity will be about based on this image? Please discuss your thoughts with a partner or in a small group.
Introduction:
Now, let’s read the introduction to the activity. Please read the text carefully and take note of any key points or vocabulary that you don’t understand.
Video Engagement:
Watch the video associated with this activity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcmkUfxReY4. As you watch, please pause the video at the following points and discuss the questions with a partner or in a small group:
- Pause at 2:00 minutes: What are some benefits of using algae as a food source? How does it compare to traditional crops?
- Pause at 4:00 minutes: How does the company My Algae use algae in their production process? What are some potential benefits of this approach?
- Pause at 6:00 minutes: What are some ways that algae can be used to reduce our impact on the environment? Do you think these methods are effective?
For more information on this topic, please visit the original post: https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/algae-the-ultimate-circular-crop/.
Key Vocabulary:
Let’s review some key vocabulary related to this topic. Please match the term with its definition:
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Algae | A simple, non-flowering, and typically aquatic plant that produces its own food through photosynthesis. | Algae are used in fish and pet food, as well as a potential source of biofuel and fertilizer. |
| Microalgae | A type of algae that is microscopic in size and can be used as a source of nutrition for humans and animals. | Microalgae are used in health supplements, such as chlorella and spirulina, and as a food source for farmed fish. |
| Aquaculture | The practice of cultivating aquatic plants and animals, such as fish and algae, in a controlled environment. | Aquaculture is used to produce food, such as farmed fish, and to reduce the environmental impact of traditional fishing practices. |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | A type of essential fatty acid that is important for human and animal health, particularly for heart and brain function. | Omega-3 fatty acids are found in algae and are used as a nutritional supplement in fish and pet food. |
| Carbon capture | The process of capturing and utilizing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or from industrial sources, such as power plants. | Algae can be used for carbon capture, converting carbon dioxide into oxygen and organic compounds through photosynthesis. |
| Wastewater treatment | The process of removing pollutants and contaminants from wastewater, making it safe for reuse or discharge into the environment. | Algae can be used in wastewater treatment, removing nutrients and heavy metals, and producing oxygen and biomass. |
| Biofuel | A type of fuel that is produced from organic matter, such as plants and algae, and can be used as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. | Algae can be used to produce biofuel, such as biodiesel and biojet fuel, through various conversion processes. |
| Circular economy | An economic system that aims to reduce waste and the consumption of resources, by promoting the reuse and recycling of materials. | Algae can be used in a circular economy, producing biomass and nutrients from wastewater, and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and fossil fuels. |
| Biosorption | The process of using living organisms, such as algae, to remove pollutants and heavy metals from the environment. | Algae can be used for biosorption, removing heavy metals and other pollutants from wastewater and producing clean water and biomass. |
| Genetic modification | The process of altering the genetic material of an organism, such as algae, to produce desired traits or characteristics. | Genetically modified algae can be used to produce biofuels, such as biodiesel and biojet fuel, with improved yields and efficiency. |
Vocabulary Quiz:
Test your understanding of the key vocabulary with the following quiz:
- Which word means ‘a substance that is added to the soil to promote plant growth and fertility’?
- A) Biomass
- B) Fertilizer
- C) Pesticide
- D) Omega-3
- What is the primary reason why farmed fish like salmon require omega-3 fatty acids?
- A) To enhance their flavor and texture
- B) To produce a vibrant color
- C) Because they cannot produce them directly and need them for health
- D) To increase their size and weight
- What is the name of the company in Scotland that cultivates microalgae for use in fish and pet food?
- A) Alga Energy
- B) Veridos
- C) My Algae
- D) Chlorella
- According to the text, what percentage of wild fishing is accounted for by the production of fish meal made from small oily fish for farmed fish?
- A) 10%
- B) 15%
- C) 20%
- D) 25%
- What is the potential reduction in chemical fertilizer use by farmers that Alga Energy enables through utilizing carbon dioxide-rich flue gases from power plants?
- A) Up to 10%
- B) Up to 15%
- C) Up to 20%
- D) Up to 25%
Answer Key:
- B) Fertilizer
- C) Because they cannot produce them directly and need them for health
- C) My Algae
- C) 20%
- C) Up to 20%
Grammar Focus:
The present simple and present continuous tenses are used to describe general truths, habits, and ongoing processes. Please complete the following sentences with the correct form of the verb:
- Algae ____________________ over half of the oxygen humans inhale.
- A) produce
- B) are producing
- C) have produced
- D) will produce
- Companies like My Algae ____________________ microalgae for use in fish and pet food.
- A) cultivate
- B) are cultivating
- C) cultivated
- D) will cultivate
- Algae ____________________ carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.
- A) require
- B) are requiring
- C) required
- D) will require
- The microalgae food market ____________________ by chlorella and spirulina.
- A) is dominated
- B) are dominating
- C) was dominated
- D) will be dominated
- Alga Energy ____________________ carbon dioxide-rich flue gases from power plants.
- A) utilizes
- B) is utilizing
- C) utilized
- D) will utilize
Answer Key:
- A) produce
- B) are cultivating
- A) require
- A) is dominated
- A) utilizes