Purpose: To investigate observe and quantify macroinvertebrates through observation and charting.
Summary: In this exercise, students will, using, the Virtual Macroinvertebrate Program, observe macroinvertebrates. They will record and summarize and interpret their findings.
Background:Aquatic macroinvertebrates (insects and other organisms that live in streams and ponds) display a wide range of adaptations to different aquatic conditions. Some types of macroinvertebrates are extremely tolerant of changes in temperature, flow, food, or even the presence of pollutants, while other types are so sensitive to these changes that they may die or move to other areas. In this activity, students identify the macroinvertebrates in a stream using the Virtual Macroinvertebrate Identification Program noting which types are most abundant.
Materials:
Macroinvertebrate Tally sheet
Macroinvertebrate Pollution Sensitivities
Guide to Macroinvertebrates
Macroinvertebrate Survey and Assessment
Documents:
Biological Monitoring
Stream side science User’s Manual
Presentations:
Biological Monitoring
Who Lives in the Water
