Plankton blooms
in the Bering Sea
© NASA, SeaWiFS
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The Mini Food of Life!
Plankton form the basis of life in the ocean. Phytoplankton are microscopic plants and zooplankton are a mixture of eggs, larvae, and juvenile forms of animals, that drift in the ocean currents. Both can be found in almost all bodies of water, including rivers, lakes, and ponds. Plankton is most abundant in the surface waters where sunlight and nutrients are readily available. In this activity, students will examine and identify plankton.You will need a microscope, petri dish, eyedropper, and plankton identification charts available at www.msc.ucla.edu/ Sea_World/ sea_world_activities.html.
- Take a sample from a nearby water source.
- Using an eyedropper, place a drop of sample water in the petri dish.
- Look for plankton under the microscope. It may be necessary to adjust the focus of the microscope during observation to view plankton that may move up and down in the water sample.
- Ask students to observe the plankton's variation in color, form, and movement. What types of zooplankton or phytoplankton is the most abundant?
- Ask students to record their observations in writing and with detailed drawings.
- Using identification plankton charts, students should try to identify the specimens in their water sample.
Sunken ships can provide
a home for marine life
© Ian Skipworth
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Conservation
Research activity: Ask students to examine newspapers and/or magazines from at least 10 years ago and look for warnings about the state of conservation or protection of the ocean. Possible topics include oil spills, and overfishing. Have students summarize the arguments for and against taking action, and state what actions were finally taken. Have students study contemporary newspapers, magazines, and Web sites to examine current conservation efforts in similar areas.
Visit the Wildlife Conservation Society Web site to download cards that explain what seafood can be eaten while preserving ecological balance and what seafood should be avoided because it is endangered: http://wcs.org/ home/ wild/ marine/ gofish/
Culture
Ask students to relate some legends or fairy tales about the ocean. Encourage students to read folktales and myths from different cultures that contain stories about the ocean and ocean life. Selected references to books and Web sites on ocean folklore are available at www.amnh.org/ resources/ halls/ oceanlife
Resources:
For a book list, related Web sites, and additional activities visit:
www.amnh.org/resources/halls/oceanlife
Additional activities for students 7-12 years of age:
www.ology.amnh.org/marinebiology
