48
5.
Now the class will prepare samples for viewing under the dissecting microscope. Have one student from each
group bring their beaker to the front of the room. Give each of these five students a Petri dish and a plastic
dropper. Instruct these students to stir their samples with the plastic dropper, and immediately place one
dropper full of sample onto the Petri dish. Have the students return to their seats and leave the beakers,
droppers, and Petri dishes at the front of the room.
6.
Turn on the microscope and the projector so the class can view the sample. You may need to fine‐tune the
microscope focus to project the sharpest image. One at a time, place each Petri dish on the stage and move the
dish around to show the various fields of view. Select (or ask the students to select) a Petri dish and field of view
which shows many diverse zooplankton. Note: Unless you properly train your students on how to use the
microscope and software, please do not allow students to handle the equipment. If you have additional
microscopes at your school, allow your students to observe the plankton in smaller groups.
7.
Review the
ZOOPLANKTON ID GUIDE (Drifting Along) – Lesson 3: Zooplankton Microscopy Lab with the
students. Explain that the guide has two parts: A. Meroplankton (temporary zooplankton) and B. Holoplankton
(permanent zooplankton). Review that meroplankton are only plankton when they are young, and assume very
different forms as adults. Both larval and adult forms for meroplankton are shown in the guide. Holoplankton
look similar throughout their life cycle; therefore only one image of each holoplankton is shown.
8.
Review the
STUDENT WORKSHEET – Lesson 3: Zooplankton Microscopy Lab. Part 1 asks students to identify
and draw the marine zooplankton that are projected on the screen. Part 2 asks students to select a
meroplankton from part A. of the ZOOPLANKTON ID GUIDE (Drifting Along) – Lesson 3: Zooplankton
Microscopy Lab that was not viewed under the microscope and draw both of its life stages.
9.
As you continue to explore the zooplankton sample, you may want to save (or print) some images using the
Motic software.
Assessment & Clean‐up:
1.
Pass out
PLANKTON SURVEY – Lessons 1, 2, and 3 (one per student).
Have students check the post‐survey box
and answer the questions (allow 5 minutes). A TEACHER ANSWER KEY is provided in Lesson 1.
2.
Thoroughly rinse all of the zooplankton lab supplies with fresh water. These include the plankton net and line,
plastic bottle, plastic beakers, plastic droppers, and Petri dishes. Please allow these items to dry completely
prior to repacking.
3.
Switch off the individual bulbs and main power switch. Save any images you captured and wish to keep on a
memory stick. Shut down the computer.
4.
Unplug the cords attached to the microscope, and place them into the bag designated for the microscope cords.
5.
Eject the Motic CD from your computer (if used), and place it in the back pocket of the binder along with the
Motic Live Imaging Module: Quick Start Guide and Motic Instruction Manual SMZ‐143.
6.
Carefully re‐pack the microscope and computer for transport, ensuring that there is ample padding on all sides.
7.
If you are not completing additional lessons:
We would be grateful if you would complete the TEACHER EVALUATION of this kit. All comments,
corrections, and suggestions are very welcome. If you prefer, you can complete the evaluation online
(see TEACHER EVALUATION for website address).
Re‐pack the kit. Double check that all the items are included and in their proper place by completing the
SUPPLY CHECKLIST. Please make a note of missing, broken, or damaged items so that they can be
replaced. Please pack the kit so that the materials are stored as they were when you received them.
Mahalo!
50
Name:
Period:
STUDENT WORKSHEET
Lesson 3: Zooplankton Microscopy Lab
Part 1 Instructions: Look at the zooplankton sample under the microscope (or projected on the screen). Draw and identify
as many organisms as you can by using the ZOOPLANKTON ID GUIDE (Drifting Along) – Lesson 3: Zooplankton
Microscopy Lab, and describe their key features in Table 3.1. Number each organism in your drawing with its corresponding
number from Table 3.1. An example is shown for crab larva. When you are done, continue to the next page.
Table 3.1
Organism Name
Key Features
1. Crab larva
Large compound eye. Spine on back side.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
1