Macroinvertebrate Site Study
The purpose of this lab is for students to understand the link between aquatic macroinvertebrates and water pollution. Students should also be able to describe and identify the link between land use activities within a watershed and water quality.
Students will collect and identify macroinvertebrates from a determined study site. Students should graph their results and form a hypothesis about how the land use near the sample site correlates with their results.
This detailed handout provides teachers and students step-by-step instructions on collecting aquatic macroinvertebrates.
Students will collect and identify macroinvertebrates from a determined study site. Students should graph their results and form a hypothesis about how the land use near the sample site correlates with their results.
This detailed handout provides teachers and students step-by-step instructions on collecting aquatic macroinvertebrates.
macroinvertebrate_lab.docx | |
File Size: | 17 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Hoosier Riverwatch is a program of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Watershed Assessment and Planning Branch. Hoosier Riverwatch is a state-sponsored water quality monitoring initiative. Riverwatch's website provides useful information to help educate citizens about watersheds and water quality. The program provides helpful information like the following macroinvertebrate identification key and data record sheet.
Visit the Hoosier Riverwatch website to see what information can be helpful in the classroom!
The following link leads to access to additional data sheets.
http://www.in.gov/idem/riverwatch/files/volunteer_monitoring_manual_apndx_g.pdf
Visit the Hoosier Riverwatch website to see what information can be helpful in the classroom!
The following link leads to access to additional data sheets.
http://www.in.gov/idem/riverwatch/files/volunteer_monitoring_manual_apndx_g.pdf
This macroinvertebrate identification key will introduce students to some of the common aquatic macroinvertebrates found in Indiana streams. The list is not an exhaustive list, but is a sufficient tool to help students identify the expected species collected. A printable version of this key is available from the above Hoosier Riverwatch link. Students should be sure to bring this key with them to the study site.
Students should record their findings on the Biological Monitoring Data Sheet. Complete the Pollution Tolerance Index Rating for a complete look at just how the pollution level can shape the macroinvertebrate population.
Note: For the # of TAXA: Be sure to add the number of TYPES of organisms, NOT the total number of organisms.
A Macroinvertebrate/ Lab Assessment
Before beginning week 4 and the final assessment/project, students should demonstrate their understanding of the macroinvertebrate lab. Download the following document for a quick assessment of students' lab understanding.
macroinvertebrate_quiz.docx | |
File Size: | 14 kb |
File Type: | docx |