Science - Biology
Standard 1 Objective 1
Science - Biology
Standard 1 Objective 3
2 class periods of 45 minutes each
Pairs
Students will understand how abiotic (physical) factors alter the biotic elements of an ecosystem through an examination of microbial life in water. Students will observe water from three aquatic habitats that differ in their physical characteristics. Students will also experimentally alter the physical factors of an aquatic habitat. By observing and experimentally changing different aquatic habitats, students will understand that the abiotic components of an environment shape the type of life living there.
1. Use Science Process and Thinking Skills
The first day of this experiment will be pretty scripted as students will observe and compare water from three different habitats. The second day of this lesson will be much more inquiry based. At the end of the first class session, students will set up an experiment to manipulate the aquatic environment and then observe any changes on the second day. Prior to starting the lesson, the teacher will need to collect water from three different habitats. For example City Creek, Jordan River and a pond. These three waters should vary in the type of habitat and the level of pollution in the water. The teacher will need to measure a few abiotic parameters at each water collection site (temperature, pH, conductivity and turbidity). If the teacher does not have access to this equipment, a simple description of each site will suffice.
Day 1:
Students will record observations in their lab book. Students can create a line graph showing the number of microorganisms in a given sample. The line will delineate the number of microbes over time after the treatment.