Diatom

High school (ages 12+)
Environment & Earth

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/diatom

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is Diatom known for?Estimated to produce 20-50% of the Earth's atmospheric oxygen through photosynthesis
2. What is the scientific classification?Phylum Bacillariophyta, Kingdom Protista
3. What is the sedimentary formation?Accumulation of fossilized frustules forms diatomaceous earth, a significant geological deposit
4. What are diatoms and why are they called tiny ocean artists?Diatoms are single‑cell algae that live in water. They have beautiful, jewel‑like shells made of silica, which is why scientists call them tiny ocean artists.
5. How do diatoms help make the air we breathe?Diatoms use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make food and release oxygen. This oxygen is a big part of the air we need to breathe.

Frustule: The rigid, glassy cell wall of a diatom, composed of hydrated silica, exhibiting diverse and complex patterns.
Diatomaceous Earth: A naturally occurring, soft, white, porous sedimentary rock formed from fossilized diatom frustules.
Biological Pump: The process by which marine organisms transport carbon from the surface ocean to the deep sea.
Bioindicator: An organism whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects the condition of an environment.