Lesson 3: Macroinvertebrates 1
Students use dichotomous keys to identify macroinvertebrates from streams. The teacher provides instruction on use of dichotomous macroinvertebrate keys. Students who demonstrate understanding are certified to identify organisms from local stream samples. Stream Index Values are calculated to determine the effects of human activity on water quality.
Standards:
1.01, 1.03, 1.04, 1.05, 1.06, 1.08, 3.04, 3.05, 3.06, 3.07, 3.08, 4.09
Classroom Time Required:
Two – 50 minute periods are needed to learn to use dichotomous keys. An additional 30 to 50 minutes is needed to analyze macroinvertebrate samples from a stream on each future monitoring date.
Materials Need:
- Dichotomous keys
- hand lenses
- glass vials/jars for preserved specimens
- source of specimens
- kick net (easy and inexpensive to make)
- alcohol for preserving specimens
- forceps
Websites:
The Global Water Sampling Project
How To Calculate SIV
Supplemental Files:
Address: Campus Box 7006. Raleigh, NC 27695 Telephone: 919.515.5118 Fax: 919.515.5831 E-Mail: KenanFellows@NCSU.edu