Our CEO Steph recently joined The Citizen Science Show Podcast to talk all things microalgae.
In the episode, she shares the story behind East Coast Algae, the science and beauty of microalgae, and how The Microalgae Project is helping students see their local environments in a completely new way.
Bring The Microalgae Project
to your classroom
'The most engaging and effective STEM activity we did all term!'
- Head of Science
Case Studies
These short films were created from real aquatic samples collected by students from their own local environments.
East Coast Algae analysed and filmed each school’s samples under the microscope, transforming them into a customised classroom film that brings the hidden life in local waterways into view. Each film is accompanied by a teachers guide and a downloadable species poster, giving students a visual record of the organisms found in their own samples and supporting follow-up learning in the classroom.
Teacher feedback has shown strong student engagement, strong curriculum fit and real value in connecting students with the hidden life in their own waterways.
Read the Teacher Feedback Report here.
A data backed synopsis of The Microalgae Project's success to date.
See more microalgae action on our YouTube Channel!
Testimonials
'One students said that they couldn't believe the amount of life that was in freshwater that she didn't even know about'
-Science Teacher
'Students were amazed when the video came back of their samples and what amazing organisms were in the sample and how clearly, they could be seen. Awesome activity for any class wanting to investigate their local ecosystems.'
-Head of Science
'Having the sample kit, how to video and id chart made the lesson process very easy for teachers to implement'
-Science Teacher
'The program was very user friendly. The video made was amazing! The kit was very easy for students to use'
-Biology Teacher
'The timing of the report was perfect for my Year 11 Biology students as we studied unicellular, colonial, and multicellular organisms. Utilising data from our local ecosystem created a powerful learning connection'
-Biology Teacher
'The coolest part is that it is samples collected by the students. Not just a random youtube or website. It was all really cool and engaging for the students and the teachers'
-Marine Science Teacher
'The video of the microorganisms made it easy for all students to make connection with the idea of what organisms can be found in the local water ecosystems without needing to have great microscopy skills. I'd love to add it into the new Biology syllabus.'
-Biology Teacher
'Being able to take samples from the local ecosystem and clearly see and compare the variety of microorganisms found in each location helped student make connection and take ownership over their samples'
-Head of Science
'My students learnt that ecosystems aren't just what we can see with the naked eye. They are diverse and complex and go from the macro to the microscale'
-Biology Teacher
'Ultimately, the project was incredibly engaging and inspiring for both the students and the teaching staff'
-Biology Teacher
The ultimate low fuss, high impact science project that sparks curiosity, real world thinking, and a lasting connection to nature.
This project has been made possible by the generous support from our partners & collaborators
Microalgae are tiny, plant like organisms that live in water all over the world. They invented photosynthesis two billion years ago, which filled the atmosphere with oxygen, making life on Earth possible. Today, there are estimated to be around 1 million species. Microalgae are the base of all aquatic food chains, they help regulate the climate, and make over half of Earth's oxygen, that's every second breath you take!
A step by step guide on:
What's included in the kit.
Where to find microalgae in local environments.
How to use the kit to collect microalgae samples in the field.
How to plan your class time in the field.
How to pack the kit for return.
Where to find microalgae in your local environment.
Microalgae fact file and worksheet.
Poster showcasing images of the unique types of microalgae found in your samples (received with your custom video).
Learning Intentions & Success Criteria
Learning Intention:
Students will understand what microalgae are, why they are important, and how they contribute to ecosystems and human innovation.
Success Criteria:
✔ I can describe what microalgae are and explain their role in nature
✔ I can describe what types of microalgae exist around me
✔ I can identify key uses of microalgae in science and industry
✔ I can reflect on new knowledge and express creative ideas
Project Goals
Discover biodiversity in local environments.
Connect ecosystems and highlight microalgae’s role in climate and biotechnology.
Practice scientific inquiry through collection, recording, and reflection.
Spark creativity across disciplines (art, media, storytelling).
Build awareness by sharing findings with peers and parents.
WHY THIS PROJECT COULD BE FOR YOU
Field work on school grounds: No need for excursions, microalgae can be found throughout your school grounds if you know where to look.
Curriculum aligned: Fits seamlessly into science and sustainability learning.
Teacher friendly: Minimal preparation, clear instructions, and high-impact results. Kit includes everything you need - no lab required.
Creative outputs: Engages creative learners through visual storytelling and emotional connection to nature.
Visually rich and shareable: Makes abstract science tangible, memorable, and perfect for classroom displays or parent showcases.
Empowers student agency: Students collect, contribute, and interpret their own data building ownership, confidence, and pride in their discoveries.
"If children don't grow up knowing about nature and appreciating it, they will not understand it, and if they don't understand it, they won't protect it. And if they don't protect it, who will?"
~ David Attenborough
Educators whose students can access suitable collection sites, as outlined in the training video and Microalgae Field Guide. Plan ahead to determine whether the activity can be completed on school grounds or incorporated into an upcoming excursion. The Project is flexible, but access to a suitable site is essential.
Both. The Project is adaptable. Primary classes can focus on discovery and creativity, while secondary students can explore science and sustainability in greater depth.
The kit includes vials, tweezers, pipettes, scoops, data sheets and a prepaid return envelope. The Microalgae Field Guide, video instructions and Teacher Fieldwork Checklist are available to download from the website.
Each kit is designed for one class of approximately 30 students.
The kit works with different classroom structures. Suggested groupings are provided in the training video.
When planning fieldwork, consider assigning scribes to complete data sheets, sample collectors to use correct collection techniques and label vials, and quality-control officers to check entries, seal vials and pack the kit for return. Teachers may also identify suitable sampling locations before fieldwork begins.
Yes. Contact us to discuss the options.
Yes. Standard processing times apply to each kit.
Yes. Two short videos explain what microalgae are, where to find them in local environments and how to complete the fieldwork. The Microalgae Field Guide and Teacher Fieldwork Checklist are also available for free download from the website. Email us with any additional questions.
Sample collection is low risk. Avoid unsafe or contaminated water, complete a risk assessment for the proposed fieldwork and follow the safety guidance in the training video and Terms and Conditions.
No. Use as many vials as you can. Microalgae can be found in many places, including unexpected ones.
If no microalgae are found, we will contact you to discuss the next steps.
Return instructions are provided in the training video on the website.
Ideally, post the samples on the day they are collected. A short delay may still be acceptable.
All samples are treated to inactivate living material for biosecurity purposes. No live sample material leaves the laboratory after receipt.See our Biosecurity Policy at the bottom of this webpage.
You will receive an email containing a link to your class’s film.
A 3–5 minute compilation of the microalgae found in your samples. On-screen annotations identify microalgae and show the sample sites, magnification and microscopy techniques used. The film also includes information about evolutionary significance, behaviour, morphology, adaptations, environmental indicators and potential biotechnology applications.
Kits are expected to arrive at your school within 14 business days of payment. Allow approximately four weeks to receive the final film once ECA has received your samples at the lab.
The sample-return timeframe will be agreed when you sign up. Contact us if you need to arrange an alternative timeframe.
Pricing varies. Contact us for details.
Contact us to discuss the available options.
Yes. We are happy to work with schools to make the Project accessible.
Primary and secondary science classes. The Project can also support cross-curricular learning in geography, environmental studies, media and art.
Yes. It can support depth studies and inquiry tasks.
Yes. You are encouraged to explore environments that suit your curriculum or local context. The Microalgae Field Guide includes ideas for different habitats.
We are building our resource library. Contact us with ideas, needs or questions. We are always happy to help.
Sample collection is low risk. Avoid unsafe or contaminated water, complete a risk assessment for the proposed fieldwork and follow the safety guidance in the training video and Terms and Conditions.
The Project does not require ECA to collect student names or direct student contact details. See the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy for further information.
Yes. ECA has a Biosecurity Plan for the handling, treatment and disposal of samples. It is available alongside the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.
Bring The Microalgae Project
to your classroom
'The most engaging and effective STEM activity we did all term!'
- Head of Science
Microalgae are used to monitor pollution, track climate change, and drive innovation in biotechnology, aquaculture, and sustainability. They are environmental indicators, climate regulators, and real-world problem solvers.
Environmental Monitoring
Microalgae respond rapidly to changes in water quality, temperature, and nutrient levels. Scientists use them to assess ecosystem health, detect pollution, and monitor the effects of climate change, making them essential tools for environmental stewardship.
Toxicology & Water Safety
Certain microalgae produce harmful toxins during algal blooms, which can contaminate drinking water and threaten marine life. Sampling helps identify these events early, supporting public health and aquatic management.
Taxonomy & Biodiversity Research
Identifying and classifying microalgae contributes to global biodiversity records and helps track species distribution. This work supports conservation efforts and deepens our understanding of aquatic ecosystems.
Bioprospecting for Biotechnology
Microalgae are a source of novel compounds used in biofuels, carbon capture, sustainable food systems, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Sampling is the first step in discovering strains with commercial and scientific potential.
Proudly partnering with leading organisations and schools to bring microalgae science into classrooms
Teacher training for the solar powered spirulina farm.
Keen students take a tour of our lab.
Rock pool gems on their way to the lab.
Pitching The Microalgae Project at the University of Technology Sydney 's Green Light Presentation night.
Our microalgae booth at a school sustainability fair.
Our best field assistant doing all the heavy lifting.
© East Coast Algae Biosystems Pty Ltd 2026
All content on this site is owned by East Coast Algae Biosystems Pty Ltd. No reproduction or use without written permission. No generative AI was used in creating any visuals. All microscopy images and films are captured using real world optical equipment. For licensing inquiries or editorial use, contact us directly.
We acknowledge the deep relationship between First Nations people and Country. We are grateful to all who have cared for country to this day, and those who continue to do so for our shared future.
East Coast Algae is a safe space for all LGBTQIA+ peoples and their allies.
