STUDENT MATERIALS
What can aquatic organisms tell us about the health of a body of water?
“Fish Kills”
In this activity, you will reflect on one example of aquatic wildlife alerting us to a water quality problem. You will first look at photos of fish kills. Then, you will watch a video about fish kills and fill out a corresponding handout.
“Maladies and Mutations: The Effects of Poor Water Quality”
In this activity, you will rotate through three stations to learn more about the effects poor water quality can have on aquatic organisms. The activity documents are listed below.
“Egg Lab: The Sensitivity of Aquatic Organisms”
In this activity, you will do an experiment with eggs and discover that some aquatic organisms are more sensitive than others. After gathering the necessary materials, you will follow the lab procedure in small groups. Afterwards, you will complete a reflection worksheet.
“Egg Lab” reflection worksheet
“Macroinvertebrate Trading Cards: Creating a Biotic Index”
In this activity, you will work together to research a variety of macroinvertebrates and create trading cards for them. In the end, you will use your trading cards to create your own biotic index. Use macroinvertebrates.org to do your research. An instructional handout is provided below.
“Macroinvertebrate Trading Cards” instructions
“Macroinvertebrates Identification Game”
In this activity, you will learn to identify different macroinvertebrate classes/orders with and without consulting their trading cards, based on shared physical characteristics. The instructions for the games are listed below.
“Calculating Biodiversity”
In this activity, you will learn about the significance of biodiversity, and then practice calculating it. You will first read articles about biodiversity. You will also complete practice problems.
“Biodiversity improves water quality in streams through a division of labor” – article
“Why does biodiversity matter?” – article
“Why is biodiversity important?” – article
“Biodiversity critical to maintaining healthy ecosystems” – article
“Why biodiversity is critical for business” – article
“Calculating Biodiversity” practice problems
“Calculating Water Quality by Macroinvertebrate Sampling”
In this activity, you will practice calculating water quality using their biotic index. There are many different methods of making such calculations; a document containing more information about these different methods is listed below. During this activity, you will complete practice problems. You will also complete a pop quiz.
“Calculating Water Quality by Macroinvertebrate Sampling” resources
“Calculating Water Quality” practice problems
“Calculating Water Quality” pop quiz
“Macroinvertebrate Sampling – Demo Assessment”
In this activity, you will practice identifying macroinvertebrates and calculating both biodiversity and water quality. You will be assigned one of three “sample streams” to base your calculations on. You will also be provided with the formulas you will need to use for this assignment.
“Macroinvertebrate Sampling – Writing a Procedure”
In this activity, you will work together to develop a procedure for macroinvertebrate sampling based on a number of sources.