Introduces students to the feeding adaptations found in aquatic macroinvertebrates.

Young scholars will learn about water quality indicators.

This is a comprehensive and detailed site providing information on aquatic macroinvertebrates. The emphasis is on biomonitoring of water quality through quantitative assessment of numbers and types of small aquatic organisms.

Students will investigate three aquatic ecosystems (pond, stream, bog) to determine the relative pollution index and the water quality of each ecosystem. They will collect and analyze the benthic organisms found in each system and...

In this hands on activity students will learn how to identify basic macroinvertebrate using a dichotomous key. They will complete a chart used by the MPCA and we will discuss why an ecosystem may not be healthy or not.

During this field activity, young scholars will examine different aquatic habitats, collect and identify macroinvertebrates from each and use an index to determine water quality. They will also be able to explain the meaning of tolerant...

Students learn what adaptations macroinvertebrates have in order to live in an aquatic environment.

In this exercise, students will collect and observe macroinvertebrates in an aquatic system. They will record and summarize their findings.

In this activity, students will identify aquatic insects and animals that live in a stream or river, learn about the water quality based on the type of macroinvertebrates collected, and return the collected critters to the water.

Learning activities allow students to learn about tools for making science observations such as a magnifying lens and ruler. Then students describe how macroinvertebrates are adapted to their aquatic environment.