Archive for the ‘9-12’ Category

Fish Tales: Salmon and Herring Fisheries of San Francisco Bay

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Fisheries in the San Francisco Bay have ranged from successful bonanza to complete collapse. View this segment to learn about

  • past fisheries in San Francisco Bay that were hugely successful.
  • why the salmon fishery in the San Francisco Bay–Delta region collapsed in 1884.
  • the only surviving commercial fishery in San Francisco Bay waters.

Download the Viewing Guide for pre- and post-viewing discussion questions, activities, and additional resources to use with students.

The Chinese Shrimp Fishery

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Most of the fishermen in San Francisco Bay were immigrants from both European and Asian countries. View this segment to learn

  • about different immigrant groups that brought different fishing traditions from their home countries.
  • that Chinese immigrants fished in great numbers, especially for shrimp and smelt.
  • about the discriminatory attitudes and practices towards Chinese fisherman that were prevalent in the 19th century.
  • about the many factors contributed to the decline of the San Francisco Bay fishing industry.

Download the Viewing Guide for pre- and post-viewing discussion questions, activities, and additional resources to use with students.

A Parade of Grasses

Monday, March 8th, 2010

The early visitors and settlers of the San Francisco Bay Area greatly impacted the flora and fauna of the region. View this segment to learn

  • about the impact Spanish, Russian, and American fur traders had on the sea otter population.
  • how native perennial grasses were replaced by exotic annual grasses.
  • about the role livestock played in changing the native landscape.

Download the Viewing Guide for pre- and post-viewing discussion questions, activities, and additional resources to use with students.

An Invaded Estuary

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

San Francisco Bay has the designation of being the most heavily invaded estuary in the world.
View this segment to learn

  • how the Transcontinental Railroad had an effect on the ecology of the Bay.
  • ways in which exotic species enter the Bay.
  • the prevalence of exotic species in the Bay.
  • how often a new species arrives in the Bay.

Download the Viewing Guide for pre- and post-viewing discussion questions, activities, and additional resources to use with students.