Red tides are phenomena caused by a protist called "Dinoflagellates." In this biology lesson, students will learn what red tide is and how it affects the ecosystem around them. Red tides are a population boom in dinoflagellates, some of which produce toxins that can cause respiratory illnesses in humans, and kill fish and wildlife. Using information from the Florida Fish and Wildlife's research, students will not only read and write about red tides' devastating effects but they will practice th