Curated OER
Missing Macroinvertebrates - Stream Side Science
Field study groups collect samples of stream water and identify the macroinvertebrates found. Using their data, they calculate a water quality index to rate the health of the stream. They graph their data and discuss the value of a water...
Curated OER
Reading the River
In collaborative groups, young ecologists measure the temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen for three different freshwater samples. They examine each sample with a microscope and record observations on the microorganisms in the pond...
Curated OER
Water
In this water worksheet, students read an excerpt about the effects of pollution on the life cycle of a lake. Then they describe how lakes are affected by the pollution. Students also define why pollution has become such a problem for...
Kenan Fellows
Sustainability: Learning for a Lifetime – The Importance of Water
Water is essential for life—and understanding the importance of clean drinking water is essential in understanding sustainability! Show your environmental science class the basics of water testing and treatment through a week-long...
Curated OER
Aquatic Organisms and Their Habitats
Learners investigate the presence of specific organisms in a freshwater habitat to determine the quality of that habitat. They conduct a field study and distinguish and classify organisms found during the field study.
Curated OER
Life in a Drop of Water
Students examine the structure, function, and characteristics of microscopic organisms that inhabit freshwater through collection of water samples and observation through microscopes.
Rivanna Regional Stormwater Education Partnership
Invisible Passengers
How does water pollution affect the organisms living in the water? Use three science experiments to examine how erosion and other pollutants can affect water quality. Each experiment focuses on a different aspect of pollution and...
Curated OER
DOES A FLUCTUATION IN TEMPERATURE IFFECT THE GROWTH AND SURVIVAL RATE OF AQUATIC PLANTS?
Students determine if different temperatures effect the growth and survival rates of aquatic plants and evaluate the optimal temperature for the growth of aquatic plants.
Curated OER
Daphnia and Algae: A Study of Pond Dynamics
Students observe interrelationships and interdependencies of organisms which may generate stable ecosystems. They also study that living organisms have the capacity to produce infinite sized populations, but environments and resources...
Curated OER
"Using Cichlids To Demonstrate the Effects of Human Activity On Ecosystems"
Students explore the freshwater ecosystem of Africa's Lake Victoria by creating a freshwater aquarium. They investigate factors affecting the aquarium's ecosystem and conduct lab activities.
Curated OER
A Tail to Tell
Students observe populations of Lumbriculus to discover some of the adaptations that allow them to live successfully along the shores of ponds and marshes. They also design and perform experiments to test proposed hypotheses for these...
Curated OER
Channel Catfish
Students study the life and biology of the Channel Catfish. In this aquatic biology instructional activity, students will examine the external and internal features of the catfish along with their breeding habits and environment. This...
Curated OER
The Effect of Medications on Daphnia
Young scholars explore how human beings affect the world's ecosystem by examining the affects of medication on daphnia, a small freshwater organism very sensitive to pollution. Students use a computer model to repeat the experiment and...
Curated OER
Snail Observation Exercise
Young scholars are given a pond snail in a clear glass and asked to make observations on the snail's form and behavior. One of the key ideas is that seemly common subjects (like snails) often have surprising or interesting properties.
Cmassengale
Bacteria: Structure and Function
For as small as they are, there sure is a lot of information for young scientists to learn about bacteria. Help simplify the subject with this instructional presentation that explores the structure, nutrition, and reproduction of...
Curated OER
Food Chain
Third graders role-play various organisms from a food chain to illustrate how a food chain works. In relay style, 3rd graders fill their cups (stomachs) and, in turn, fill a larger organism's cup (stomach) to visualize the importance of...
Curated OER
Fish and Flowers
High schoolers read and discuss a research article that explains the unlikely link between increased fish populations and increased plant pollination. They answer reading guide questions to discover this ecological relationship.
Curated OER
Predicting the Growth of Microorganisms
Students determine where microorganisms might be found around their school. For this scientific investigation lesson, students collect cultures from various locations and place these in petri dishes. They incubate the cultures to see if...
Curated OER
Food Chain
Third graders explore why food chains are important. In this food chain lesson, 3rd graders break into small groups to represent parts of the food chain. Different amounts of food are given to each group and any spilled food will be...
Curated OER
"Once More to the Lake" by E.B. White
Revisit your own childhood memories of long summers and lakeside fun with E.B. White's essay, "Once More to the Lake." Included here is the actual text as well as a series of short-answer questions that follow. Not only do readers study...
Curated OER
Microfishing
Learners use a simple method to collect living microorganisms from natural and/or artificial environments and develop skills in microscopy, observation, drawing, speculation, hypothesizing, oral presentation, and raising questions.
NOAA
Build Your Own Ocean Ecosystem
Hold the sea in the palm of your hand! Amateur oceanographers work together to create models of an ocean ecosystem in the sixth and final installment in a series. Raise awareness of global ocean health issues through guided research,...
Curated OER
Microbes on My Mind
Students observe and read about microorganisms so that they can create an information book on microorganisms.
Curated OER
Observing Brine Shrimp
Students observe brine shrimp eggs, create an appropriate environment for their survival, and observe their growth.