Quarry Hill Nature Center - Plankton Classification

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Plankton Classification

Class Title: Plankton Classification
Audience: 5th grade
Offered: 3rd Quarter
Length: 1 hr. 50 minutes. (if time allows, students will look around in the Exploration Hall)

Preparing for this Class:

Students will be inside for the entire class.
Review of the vocabulary words before class is helpful.

I. Class Description

In this class, students will explore the exciting microscopic world of plankton (tiny and often microscopic forms of aquatic life)! Students are often surprised at the amount and complexity of life that can be found in a drop of water. The class will begin with an introduction to plankton, its contribution to aquatic food chains and its important role in the production of atmospheric oxygen. The class will then focus on microscope basics where students will have a chance to explore and practice using the microscope with prepared still slides. Following basic practice, students regroup to briefly look at how scientists classify plankton. They will also receive instructions on sorting the plankton they observe by common characteristics and/or adaptations. During the remaining class time, students will work in pairs to prepare plankton slides and explore, classify, sort and sketch their exciting plankton discoveries.

II. Correlation to MN Science Standards

Use appropriate tools and techniques in gathering, analyzing and interpreting data. (5.1.3.4.1)
Describe how plant and animal structures and their functions provide an advantage for survival in a given natural system. (5.4.1.1.1)

III. Science Vocabulary (*denotes a Quarry Hill vocabulary word)

Classify
Classification
Organism
Vertebrate
Invertebrate

Physical Characteristic
Adaptation
Coloration
Camouflage
Habitat

Plankton*
Phytoplankton*
Zooplankton*
Microscopic*
Magnification*

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