Microfishing

This activity can be used as an introduction to the world of aquatic organisms or as an investigation into ways of assessing diversity. Most of the life forms in fresh and salt water are microscopic, or at least small enough to benefit from being magnified for observation. In this activity students use a simple method to collect living microorganisms from natural and/or artificial environments and develop skills in microscopy, observation, drawing, speculation, hypothesizing, oral presentation, and raising questions. This activity arouses curiosity and provides a fascinating look at a world we rarely get to see. Educational levels: Intermediate elementary, Middle school, High school