Whale Poop Primes the Ocean Carbon Pump | The Future of Nature

The world’s oceans draw roughly 30 percent of carbon emissions from the atmosphere—but exactly how do they achieve this? These videos present the scope and scale of ocean biomass’ role in the oceans’ incredible carbon pump (also known as the biological pump) which is primed by the release of whale waste matter.

Students are presented with the latest research about the oceans’ biological pump, the ocean food web, plus the physical properties that move carbon and store it, and the tools scientists use to determine these phenomena.

Through discussion questions and engagement activities, students will explore the cause and effect relationships within this carbon pump system, conduct a thought experiment about the difficulties of measuring ocean biomass, and make predictions about the effects on the carbon cycle should a component within the biological pump be missing. Students can also reflect on their own contribution to the health of the ocean’s biological pump, or create arguments for action to prioritize and preserve parts of the biological pump as they examine the ecological impacts humans have on ocean life.

About the Author
Jody Cook is a passionate science educator with 22 years of secondary teaching experience. Holding a M.Ed. from Indiana Wesleyan University and a BS in Biology from Eastern Illinois University, her journey is fueled by creativity, innovation, and collaborative learning. Formerly from the Midwest, she is now currently enjoying all that nature has to offer on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. Her genuine love for science inspires her belief that transformative education can spark lifelong curiosity and meaningful change.