Bring The Microalgae Project to your classroom
Register your interest and we’ll keep you updated on our second release.
Embedded Files
Following the successful completion of our first trial with participating high schools, we are now compiling a report to inform our search for grant funding and philanthropic investment. Securing this support will allow us to offer the program at a subsidised rate, ensuring equitable access for schools. Our aim is to offer students a meaningful, inspiring connection to the natural world while ensuring that cost is never a barrier, especially for the schools that stand to benefit most.
The ultimate low fuss, high impact science project that sparks curiosity, real world thinking, and a lasting connection to nature.
Case Studies
This project has been made possible by the generous support from our partners & collaborators
WHAT is MICROALGAE?
WHAT is MICROALGAE?
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!
Field training video
Field training video
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.
The Microalgae Field guide
The Microalgae Field guide
Where to find microalgae in your local environment.
FREE DIGITAL Teaching Resources
FREE DIGITAL Teaching Resources
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
FAQs
FAQs
Logistics & Process
Logistics & Process
Who is this project for?
Educators who believe their students can access suitable collection sites based on the training video and field guide. It’s important to think ahead - can this be incorporated into an upcoming excursion, or done on school grounds? The project is flexible, but site access is key.
Is this suitable for primary or secondary students?
Both. The project is adaptable: primary classes focus on discovery and creativity, while secondary students can dive deeper into science and sustainability.
What’s in the sample kit?
Everything you need: vials, tweezers, pipettes, scoops, data sheets, and a prepaid return envelope. The Field Guide and Fieldwork Checklist can be downloaded from the website.
How many students does one kit cover?
Each kit is designed for a single class (around 30 students).
What grouping structure works best for the field work?
The kit is flexible and works well with different classroom setups. Some grouping suggestions are provided in the training video.
What roles/tasks need to be considered when collecting samples?
It is recommended that the following roles are considered when designing your field work; scribe/s (filling out data sheets), sample collector/s (correct sample techniques and labelling of viles), and quality control officers (ensuring data entry is correct, viles are sealed properly and kit is packed correctly for posting). Teachers may consider mapping out where the best locations to sample may be before commencing the field work.
Are kits available for individual students, smaller groups or entire year levels?
Absolutley! Get in touch.
We’re seeking partners to help subsidise kits for remote learners. Get in touch if you can help or want to be involved.
Can I order more than one kit?
Absolutely. Standard processing times apply to each kit.
Is training provided/what support is available
Yes - two short videos on the website explain what microalgae are and how to find them in your local environemnt, and how to perform the field work. A comprehensive Microalgae Field Guide and a Teacher Fieldwork Checklist are also available for free download on the website. Email us with any extra questions.
Is sample collection safe?
Yes. It’s low risk, however ensure unsafe or contaminated water is avoided. Perform a risk assessment for the intended field work, and follow the safety tips in the video and T&Cs.
Do we need to fill every sample vial?
No. Use as many as you can - Microalgae are everywhere, even in unexpected places.
What if we don’t find any microalgae?
That’s very rare! If your samples come up empty, we’ll follow up with a solution.
How do we return samples?
Instructions are in the training video on our website.
When should samples be posted?
Ideally the same day. A short delay is fine - we can still work with them.
What happens to the samples after processing?
All samples are treated to ensure all microbes are terminated for biosecurity reasons. Nothing leaves the lab once it has been received.
How do we access our short film?
You’ll receive an email with a link to your class’s film.
What’s in the video?
A 3–5 minute compilation of species found in your samples. It includes onscreen annotation of names of microalgae species, sample sites they were found, magnification and microscopy technique used, any interesting evolutionary significance, behaviours, morphologies and adaptions present, the species environmental indicators, and any biotech potential it may have.
What’s the turnaround time?
Kits are expected to arrive within 10 business days of payment. Allow 2-4 weeks to receive the final film.
How soon after receiving the kit must the samples be returned?
We allow a month between you receiving the kit and posting it back to the lab with the samples. Any kits posted after this time will not be processed and you won't receive the film.
Cost & Customisation
Cost & Customisation
How much does it cost?
Pricing varies - contact us for details.
Can we order extra products?
Reach out and we’ll clarify.
Are budget options available?
Yes. We’re happy to work with schools to make it accessible.
Curriculum & Classroom Integration
Curriculum & Classroom Integration
What classes is this project designed for?
Science classes in primary and secondary schools. It can be used in cross curricular learning as it ties into geography, environmental studies and even media or art when exploring the digital outputs.
Can it be used for assessments?
Definitely. Great for depth studies and inquiry tasks.
Can we tailor the sampling to a specific theme (e.g., freshwater, urban, coastal)?
Absolutely. You’re encouraged to explore environments that suit your curriculum or local context. The Microalgae Field Guide offers ideas for different habitats.
Is teacher support available?
We’re building a resource library. Got ideas or needs? Let us know! If you have any question, reach out - we are happy to answer them.
Safety & Ethics
Safety & Ethics
Any safety concerns with sampling activities?
It’s a low-risk project. Avoid hazardous sites, perform your risk assessment and follow the T&Cs.
Is student data collected or shared?
No. See our T&Cs and Privacy Policy for details.
Bring The Microalgae Project to your classroom.
Register your interest and we’ll keep you updated on our second release.
MICROALGAE
MICROALGAE
IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
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.
Our microalgae booth at a school sustainability fair.
© East Coast Algae Biosystems Pty Ltd 2025
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.
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