Lab 3 : Protist Inquiry

Protist Inquiry

You are investigating the Protist Kingdom.  They are found all over the world.  Thousands of unclassified species live in the oceans. Some are harmless, some are a pain (literally), some are deadly. 

Part A: The Preserved Protists   

1. Obtain slides of preserved specimens of Paramecium caudatum, and Euglena gracillis, and/or Amoeba.   

 OPTION: There are preserved slides of Pathological Protists available.  These are disease causing, but are safe to handle, as they are preserved and dead.

  2. Observe them under low, medium and high power.  Make one drawing of each specimen. ( THREE of your choice)   You may choose the magnification to be used for your drawing.  So, 3 drawings are done.

        Label your drawings.  ( Magnification, name, some parts which could be identified...maybe the nucleus, pseudopods, cell membrane, etc.)  

        Use a textbook or web to find a diagram of these Protists to help with the labelling. 

3. Take a digital picture of each specimen.   ( Choose TWO specimens)  Make a measurement of the whole organism in micrometers. 

Save your digital image with an identification label. 

 Process the image in Google Draw ( or other app): 

Label it.   State the Magnification, label 2 cell parts.   ( Two digital images of  two different preserved specimens)

Each student MUST have a different digital image. Just move the slide to take another image...each student should know how to get the digital image.  

Submit your work and  digital images on Google Classroom. 

Part B: The Live Protists

    1. Obtain a specimen.  Amoeba proteus, Paramecium caudatum, Stentor,  Volvox, Spirostomum, and Euglena gracillis.

 NOTE THE  NAME.  Put one drop of specimen liquid onto a clean slide.  We may use a special type of slide called a "deep well". Then , put one drop of "Protoslow" which will slow down their movement. ( DO NOT USE with the Amoeba!)   Gently put a cover slip onto the slide using the same technique and a "wet mount".

 2. Make Observations:  Observe the specimen under low and medium magnification.  Be careful using a deep well slide which is thicker.

 Record observations  such as movement, size, organelles observed, use of light to observe, effectiveness of the "Protoslow" chemical.  Make a small, diagram-like sketch ;one for  three species of your choice.

3. Take a digital picture of three specimens.   You may do more...Make a measurement of the whole organism in micrometers. Save your digital image with an identification label.  Process the image in Google Draw: Label it.   State the Magnification, label 2 cell parts.  Name the type of locomotion , for example does it have a flagellum?  Each student must have  different digital images. 

Part C : Web Research

 Use Web resources to find information about the  THREE Protists from this lab:

   1. Find the current scientific classification for each species. Domain through species name.  ( Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family Genus species.)

   2. What is each species form of movement?  Give some details.

   3. Find a labeled diagram for each species. You may include the digital version on Google document or  draw it yourself .

   4. Write a paragraph about any interesting or unusual facts about the Phylum ( or group of organisms which the species is from)  ( Hand-written )

5. Make an informal note which documents your sources of information.

Video Resources :

1. Diversity of Protists : An Excellent Summary

2. Plasmodium, cause of Malaria: animation

Part D : Quiz

We will review some facts about the species.  You will be quizzed on the information. 

 1. Please know the genus and species name for each.

 2. Know the type of movement for each.

 3. Know the information from notes.

OPTION TBD   4. (Use live Protist)  LAB INQUIRY GUIDE AND QUESTIONS: 

Document

                You may be assigned all or some of this Inquiry...TBD

LAB 3 Protists: Rubric