Benthic Macroinvertebrates

Do golf courses affect the water organisms in nearby streams and ponds? Small groups collect samples of water upstream and downstream from a golf course and analyze the macroinvertebrates found and the stream index values of the two...

How diverse are the benthic organisms found in local streams? Using the information learned in previous lessons on identification of macroinvertebrates and on calculating stream index values, groups determine the health of local streams....

What kind of organisms are living in the stream? After an explanation on how to use a dichotomous key, groups of three to four use the keys to identify macroinvertebrates from a local freshwater stream. Using the the concept of Stream...

In this water quality sampling instructional activity, students organize and analyze their data from samples they have collected. After analyzing based on 9 guide questions, they complete 18 short answer questions about fish, benthic,...

Eleventh graders examine a local body of water.  In this science lesson, 11th graders collect water samples to test.  Students analyze the data and make conclusions.  Students create tables and graphs of the data.

Students chemically test water, observe microscopic organisms in the classroom, and screen the sample for macroinvertebrates. They design a reporting sheet that list all the items to be tested and a space to record the results.

Young scholars examine the different types of tests used to measure the environmental effects of hazardous waste. They work together to determine the impact of pollution on different ecosystems. They read a case study and answer...

Students test water for a least one chemical characteristic. They hypothesize how a storm event might change the chemical characteristics of a stream. Students collect water samples and use the chemical test to test the water.

Students identify the major components of a stream study and determine the overall health of the stream. They identify the major impacts of human activity on the health of a stream by using field equipment to accumulate and record data.

Learners use the net they make to dip macroinvertebrates at or below the surface. The flat side of the net allows pressure on the substrate so that organisms do not escape under the net. Two students hold onto the handles and submerge...