Biology of Lakes

Look at the "wee beasties," said a Dutch scientist from the 1600's who was one of the first to observe organisms through a magnifying lens.

Part 1: Pond Organism WebQuest

Research some of the organisms found in lakes, ponds and wetlands.

Choose 1 different organism from each of the following 5 sites (5 organisms total).

1. A Virtual Pond Dip (click on an organism in the "jar" to learn more)

2. The Smallest Page on the Web ("click to zoom in" and then click on an organism to learn more)

3. Pond Life Identification Kit (choose a "Group" from the left column, then get the information right off this page or click the group name to learn more)

4. Larger Aquatic Insects 1 (scroll down for the info - all kingdom animalia)

5. Larger Aquatic Insects 2 (scroll down for the info - all kingdom animalia)

For each organism, write all of the following in your journal.

• Organism Name: _________________

• Kingdom Name: _________________ (note: "Protoctista" = "Protista")

• Size (1,000um=1mm): _________________

• 3 Facts about the Organism (where to find, what eat, how move, etc):

  • 1. _________________________

  • 2. _________________________

  • 3. _________________________

• Draw a Picture of the Organism:

Helpful Vocabulary:

• Unicellular = 1 cell

• Multicellular = many cells

• Planktonic = plankton (drift with water currents)

• Protozoa = unicellular organisms that act like animals

• Cilia = hair-like stuff for moving

• Flagella = whip-like tail for moving

• Colonies = groups living together

Part 2: Introduction to Biology of Lakes

Watch "Biology of Lakes" movie (30 min). While you are watching, take notes on the Biology of Lakes sheet.

Part 3: Microscope Introduction

Read the Microscope Use document. Then do the Microscope Assignment. The teacher will need to approve the top half of the page before you begin working with a microscope on the bottom half of the page.

Part 4: Look at Pond Organisms in Microscope

Learn from the teacher how to prepare a wet slide with a cover slip.

Look at pond water under the microscope.

Draw the organisms and try to find information about them in the Pond Organism Key and Key to Life in the Pond. You should have at least 2 protozoa, 2 algae, and 2 animals.

For each of your 6 (or more) organisms, write all of the following in your journal.

• Organism name: _________________

• Kingdom name: _________________

• What power lens: ________________

• 3 observations you make about the organism:

  • 1. _________________________

  • 2. _________________________

  • 3. _________________________

• Draw a picture of exactly what you see:

Part 5: Kingdom Pictures of Organisms and Word Search

Complete the Pond Life Word Search and the Microscopic Pond Life Word Search.

Biology of Lakes Extension 1: Kingdoms

Look at the Kingdom Pictures sheets and in your journal identify which kingdom each organism is in.

Biology of Lakes Extension 2: Drifters

Build a Drifter: Use random items you find or are given to engineer "plankton" that neither floats nor sinks in a tub of water. Demonstrate this to the teacher or class.

Biology of Lakes Extension 3: Pond Organism Art

Make a creative art project based on one or more pond organisms.