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TEACHER GUIDE
Extension: Let’s Build a Plankton Net
Time Required:
30 minutes. Additional time is required to obtain materials.
Structure:
This extension activity enables students to construct their own plankton nets using common household
materials. This can be completed as a classroom activity or for students to complete at home.
Materials:
1.
STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS – Extension: Let’s Build a Plankton Net
2.
Example of a handmade plankton net
Materials Not Included in this Kit but Needed for Extension Activity:
Common supplies (per group of ~4 students):
3.
Duct tape
4.
Stapler
5.
Scissors
6.
Hole punch
7.
Measuring tape or ruler
Student supplies (per student):
8.
Metal wire or clothes hanger about 15 inches
9.
Key ring
10.
2 short pieces of rope (1/8” wide x 16” long)
11.
1 long piece of rope (1/8” wide x 24” long)
12.
Rubber band
13.
Baby food jar (or small vial)
14.
Nylon knee high stocking
15.
Small weight (or sinker for fishing line)
Advance Preparation:
1.
Obtain (or have students provide) the above materials.
2.
Photocopy the
STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS – Extension: Let’s Build a Plankton Net (one per student or one per
pair of students).
Instructional Procedures:
1.
Divide the students into groups of four. Deliver one set of common supplies to each group and one set of
student supplies to each student.
2.
Have students build a plankton net by following the
STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS – Extension: Let’s Build a
Plankton Net.
Assessment and Clean‐up:
1.
We would be grateful if you would complete the TEACHER EVALUATION in 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).
2.
Re‐pack the kit for return to C‐MORE. Double check that all the items are included 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!
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STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS
Extension: Let’s Build a Plankton Net
In this lesson, you will be creating your own miniature plankton net using common household materials. The plankton
net will be made out of a nylon stocking, which has an approximate mesh size of 100 to 300 micrometers. This mesh
size is small enough to collect zooplankton. After you have finished building your plankton net, go to the beach and
conduct a plankton tow by dragging the net through the water. You can use a magnifying glass or a microscope to
examine the plankton that you catch! Note: This plankton net is intended for single use only, or as a keepsake to share
with your friends and family.
Materials
Per student:
Per group:
Metal wire or clothes hanger
Duct tape
Key ring
Stapler
2 short pieces of rope
Scissors
1 long piece of rope
Hole punch
Rubber band
Measuring tape or ruler
Baby food jar (or small vial)
Nylon knee high stocking
Small weight or sinker
Instructions
1.
Bend the metal wire into a circle that is about 4 inches in diameter, and overlap the loose ends
by a couple of inches.
2.
Use duct tape to fasten the ends together.
3.
Put the nylon stocking on the metal circle that you just created. Make sure the hole in the
stocking is in the center of the circle.
4.
Secure the nylon stocking by using staples.
5.
Place 4 staples at an equal distance around the circle.
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6.
Tie a knot in the bottom of the stocking.
7.
Put the weight into the stocking. This will help the end of the net sink during a tow.
8.
Put a small vial or baby food jar inside the stocking. This will become your collection bucket (or
cod end).
9.
Put the rubber band around the stocking so that it is around the rim of the jar.
10.
Cut 4 strips of duct tape, each about 1 inch in width. Put the pieces of duct tape around the top
of the net so that they are evenly spaced. Do not put any duct tape where the metal ring
overlaps.
11.
Put a hole in each piece of duct tape (as close to the edge as possible) using the hole punch. You
may need to use scissors to finish creating the hole.
12.
Locate the two shorter pieces of rope and the key ring. These items will be used to make the
bridle. Line up the two pieces of rope and put them through the key ring. Put the key ring in
the center of the pieces of rope.