Sea Otter Forensics

Catalog #STO-163

Why are the sea otters dying?

Time To Complete Time to complete: 2-3 forty-minute class periods

Follow a real-life scenario to investigate the cause of sea otter deaths on the California coast.

  • Analyze postmortem photos to determine the cause of death of a sea otter.
  • Conduct simulated lab tests for the presence of biological toxins.
  • Interpret lab tests, maps, and photos to explain the source of the toxin that is killing sea otters.
  • Use a food web diagram to explain how sea otters could have high toxin concentrations.
  • Conduct simulated lab tests to determine the concentration of toxin that causes damage to human liver cells.
  • Design a sign to provide information about health effects of an algal bloom and ways to avoid exposure.
Teacher Guide Know Before You Buy! Download Teacher Guide

Limit 1 free sample per customer

Quantity Price
1 - 9$16.50 ea.
10 - 24$15.68 ea.
25 - 1000$14.85 ea.

Each assembled kit contains:

  • Sea Otter Photos
  • Sea Otter Plasma (simulated)
  • Toxin Test Strip (simulated)
  • Instructions for Biological Toxin Testing
  • Map and Photos of Area Surrounding Monterey Bay
  • Human Liver Cells (simulated)
  • Blood (simulated)
  • Microcystin (simulated)
  • Dropper

Also required: safety goggles

Buy Unassembled and Save!

Refill Your Kit

Sea Otter Forensics – Pack of 10 Unassembled Kits

Catalog # STO-163U

Unassembled packs contain materials for 10 kits.

  • All supplies, lab materials, and printed labels
  • Student instructions copy master
  • Easy to follow instructions for kit assembly
Quantity Price
1 - 9$136.00 ea.
10 - 1000$129.20 ea.

Sea Otter Forensics – 10 Kit Refill Pack

Catalog # STO-163R

Refill packs contain materials to replace consumable supplies for 10 kits.

Quantity Price
1 - 9$34.00 ea.
10 - 1000$32.30 ea.

Teacher Testimonial

Excellent organization and scaffolding for students.

- High School biology teacher (MD)

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STO-163