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Blue Mussels: Expert Sustainable Engineers: 03 Adaptation Investigation

Blue Mussels: Expert Sustainable Engineers: 03 Adaptation Investigation
Contributors
Beyond Benign
Beyond Benign, Inc.
Learning Objets
Summary
This lab focuses on animal adaptations by emulating the byssal threads in both the blue and ribbed mussel. Students will use yarn to simulate a byssal thread and collect data related to the strength of the yarn.
Keyword Tags
Animal Adaptations
Byssal Threads
Blue Mussels
Biomimicry
Material Strength
File (PDF, PPT, image, etc)
adaptation_investigation_student_reading.docx
adaptation_investigation.docx
Learning Goals/Student Objectives
- Investigate how yarn simulates the strength of mussel byssal threads.
- Understand how environmental pressures influence physical adaptations.
- Use evidence to explain differences between blue mussels and ribbed mussels.
- Analyze how variations in structure (e.g., twisted vs. untwisted yarn) relate to survival.
- Strengthen data collection, observation, and explanation skills.
Object Type
Laboratory experiment
Audience
Elementary School
Other Faculty Educators/Teachers
Green Chemistry Principles
Waste Prevention
Design for Energy Efficiency
Use of Renewable Feedstocks
Design for Degradation
Safer Chemistry for Accident Prevention
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Quality Education
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Responsible Consumption and Production
Climate Action
Life Below Water
Safety Precautions, Hazards, and Risk Assessment
- Yarn poses no chemical hazards; suitable for all grade levels.
- Instruct students to pull yarn gently to avoid snapping back toward faces.
- Monitor use of live mussels (if included) to avoid sharp shell edges.
- Clean hands after handling natural specimens.
- Standard classroom supervision is sufficient; no special PPE required.

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Submitted by

Tyler Schisler
Published on
Moderation state
Published
Collection
3rd Grade Resources
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