Learning Objectives :
• Students will be able to explain that living organisms change over time.
• Students will be able to define macroinvertebrate and give one or two examples.
• Students will use keys and field guides to identify animals in the field.
Essential Questions :
Review and Matching Game – Approximately 20 minutes
Macroinvertebrate Madness - Approximately 30 minutes
Stream Exploration – At least 35 minutes as part of a field trip
Pond Exploration – At least 25 minutes as part of a field trip
Materials :
- Printouts of accompanying material: matching animal drawings (one set per 18 students) and macroinvertebrate water quality key (one for each student).
- For stream and pond exploration: small tubs to hold water and creatures, magnifying glasses, small nets, large tweezers, other collecting equipment, and any additional field guides or keys that are handy.
Preparation :
- Time will be needed to gather the material and arrange a field trip to a nearby stream (if there isn’t one next to the school).
- This activity is meant to follow “Abiotic Adventure.” If not, begin this lesson with the first activity “What’s in a pond?” from the previous lesson “Abiotic Adventure.”
Creator :
This lesson plan developed by Heidi Webb.
Printables :
Standards :
McREL National Content Standards:
Science:
Standard 5: Understands the structure and function of cells and organisms
Standard 12: Understands the nature of scientific inquiry
