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...

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...

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...

Actual stream water is analyzed in this environmental science activity. Participants measure water temperature and pH, and then survey the macroinvertebrates living in their samples. The data worksheet, troubleshooting tips, and...

Young scholars explore the relationship between leaf packs in streams and macroinvertebrate populations. They experiment with hand exposure to stream macroinvertebrates in natural leaf packs and then make leaf packs of their own. The...

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...

Students explore hydrology concepts. In this environment and biology lesson, students identify and describe macroinvertebrates using a variety of pictures and resources. Students observe and write about a classroom aquarium in which...

Students take samples from local freshwater sources and examine them for macroinvertebrate life. They take samples from both shallow and deep freshwater environments, measure temperatures, and classify organisms found in their samples.

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.

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...

Learners 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.

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. 

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...

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...

Seventh graders use a pond to explore macroinvertebrates and other organisms. They use a dichotomous key to classify the organisms and maintain a journal recording their findings.

High schoolers survey and describe a stream ecosystem. They sample the benthic macroinvertebrate populations of a given stream and determine community structure through the use of the Chandler Index and a species diversity index.

Students determine if human practices have any noticeable effects on the quality of stream life as measured by the presence of certain macroinvertebrates. They collect, preserve and identify macroinvertibrate samples and quantify the data.

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...

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...

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

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 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 discuss the relationships between dissolved oxygen in a stream, stream temperature, organic waste loads, and stream conditions by studying and using a model of dissolved oxygen in the stream.

Students analyze data from a student discussion website and write a report on the outcome of an investigation regarding their local water quality. As part of a larger unit students then post the summary of their investigation on the...