One Activity Looks at Both Terrestrial and Aquatic Microhabitats
- Utilizes a Winogradsky column
- Includes a teacher's guide
- Estimated class/lab time required: 35 minutes for setup, four weeks for observation
Teach your students about the process by which new communities are formed after a habitat is disturbed or destroyed and the factors that contribute to this process. The terrestrial (microbial) succession is demonstrated by bacteria using the included Winogradsky Columns, while the aquatic succession asks your students to identify and count various protists with the aid of provided illustrations over a one month period. The terrestrial lesson includes enough materials for four setups, while the aquatic lesson includes enough materials for eight setups. The kit also includes a teacher’s guide and student copymaster. Note: Coupon included for perishable materials. Redeem by phone or e-mail.
Materials Included
•Rubber stoppers
•Plastic columns
•Soil sieve
•Calcium carbonate
•Calcium sulfate
•Magnifying boxes
•Disposable pipets
•Coupon redeemable for: 2 Blepharisma cultures, 2 Chaos (Pelomyxa) cultures, 2 Stentor cultures
Materials Needed But Not Provided
•Shovel or trowel
•Collected soil samples
•Distilled or pond water
•Dissecting microscope
Time Requirement
•Part 1: 20 minutes for setup
•Part 2: 15 Minutes for setup, (Allow at least four weeks for observations)