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...

A link to a comprehensive macroinvertebrate guide gives you the information needed to prepare for this field study activity. Sample macroinvertebrates are collected from areas representing different environmental conditions. Junior...

Students visit a local stream, pond, creek, or river and collect macroinvertebrates. They sort macroinvertebrates and identify each species using a dichotomous key. Students decide on trophic levels and construct a possible food web for...

High schoolers view macroinvertebrates, or discuss previous collection activity. They graph data on macroinvertebrates in the Hudson River. Students discuss the relationship between habitat, environmental changes, and invertebrate...

Students examine the impact that human development has on streams.  In this stream sampling lesson students compare macroinvertebrate data and graph it.

Learners explain why dissolved oxygen is important in aquatic ecosystems. They evaluate the optimal dissolved oxygen levels for living organisms.

Learners design an experiment to test the effects of a change in the amount of dissolved oxygen of water on aquatic plants and animals. Questions are offered for exploration and experiment design. Results are tabulated and conclusions...

Andree Walker thought of everything when he wrote this resource. It includes a detailed list of materials and background information links for the teacher. In addition, it has procedures, a macroinvertebrate identification key, and tally...

Students conduct an experiment using a small sample from a local water source. They introduce fertilizers and pesticides, separately, and carefully examine the results in their simulated aquatic ecosystem.

Students investigate the concept of a macroinvertebrate. They observe the presence of increases or decreases in population in order to test for factors that contribute to the extinction of a species. Students predict the likelihood of...

High schoolers examine water samples from a local stream. They identify various types of macroinvertebrates found in that water ecosystem and perform a quantitative macroinvertebrate survey to determine the stream's water quality.

Seventh graders identify the names and features of macroinvertebrates found in Turtle River.  In this ecology instructional activity students use digital microscopes and take pictures of invertebrates. 

Students explore our ecosystem by investigating the quality of our water. In this aquatic insect lesson, students examine a group of random insects collected from different streams and ponds in the area. Students record their...

Students experiment collecting macroinvertebrates from a stream and identify the specimens collected and then log in the information into a data table. From the data, they make qualitative and quantitative interpretations of water quality.

Students 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...

Learners investigate the environment of a stream or lake to collect and observe macroinvertebrates in their natural environment. They record data and summarize the information obtained. Students look to see if there has been any human...

Field trip! The class will review what they know about organisms that dwell in freshwater ponds, then trek down to the old water hole to collect specimens for examination. This includes several web links, useful tips, and an excellent...

In this lesson, learners properly use a taxonomic key to identify benthic organisms. Students go onto collect aquatic macroinvertabrate and then ennumerate all organisms colelcted. The culminating activity is the Project Watershed...

Students are asked to respond to questions such as:" Have there been surveys of the area to inventory the species?" (For example, for a wetland area, do they know what amphibians live there and how abundant they are?) Are there any...

Students search stream beds to study the life cycle and adaptations of stream insects. They explore creeks and streams to see the diversity index of creeks or streams and to find the water qualit index.

Students participate in a field and laboratory study to determine if local freshwater mussels are environmentally stressed.

Students investigate the relationship between dissolved oxygen and organic materials and aquatic organisms. This is a 3-instructional activity series in which students explore dissolved oxygen and then design an experiment testing the...

Young scholars work together to examine water quality. They identify the indicators of water quality and complete an experiment. They discuss their results.

Students create their own monitoring program for natural water. They collect samples from an appropriate sampling site. They perform chemical and biological analyses of their samples. They present their information to the class.