Ocean Literacy Principle 5B: Most life in the ocean exists as microbes. Microbes are the most important primary producers in the ocean. Not only are they the most abundant life form in the ocean, they have extremely fast growth rates and life cycles.
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| Scientist map | | Consensus map |
What Role Do Microbes Play in the Carbon Cycle? Michael Sieracki (scientist) and educators Paul McGuinness, Margo Murphy, and Susan Richman
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Download (pdf): Scientist Map | Consensus Map
The challenge in concept mapping for Dr. Seiracki was to simplify the topic enough for the target audience, but also remain scientifically accurate. He chose to focus on an oceanic process called the biological pump. He divided the map into sectors to reflect ocean depth and phytoplankton size, and added slow and fast labels for the different rates that carbon cycles through the environment. Afterwards, he and the educators streamlined his original map, both in terms of vocabulary and linking lines. They kept the dividing lines, but added more detail to the food web. They also emphasized the important role of dissolved organic carbon. They added the concept of sedimentation but also agreed the map could be augmented by another concept map for carbon sequestration that would emphasize sinking and burial for high school students.
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| Scientist map | | Consensus map |
Timothy Moore (scientist) and educators Phyllis Appler and Beth Marass
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Download (pdf): Scientist Map | Consensus Map
Dr. Moore’s original map addressed the question "Why are phytoplankton relevant to humans?" The map was designed to show the high degree of connectivity between humans, atmosphere, and oceans with. of course, phytoplankton being important players. His team of educators decided to alter the focus question. The map they created has many of the same concepts as his original map but is rearranged to emphasize the human element. To increase clarity, they placed environmental factors on the right half of the map. They also "saw the light" and remembered to add this key ingredient for phytoplankton growth!
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