Diatoms+and+Water+Quality+(Biology,+Ecology)

These labs are designed so that data can be collected analyzed and shared online. These activities can also be done independently, without online collaboration. __**UNDER CONSTRUCTION!**__

Students collect, identify, and count diatom species. This information can then be used as an indicator of water quality. Other data such as water turbidity, temperature, and obvious pollutants are collected. This lab can be conducted as a one time, 2 day activity or as a long term monitoring project. Your students can submit their results to the [|Blogging Biomes Page]. They can share their results and view other students results from different aquatic habitats. The Key can be downloaded to tablets or other student devices for use in the field or lab. Documents are in word format so they can be edited as needed.
 * Diatoms as Indicators of Water Quality**

__**UNDER CONSTRUCTION!**__ >> Simple Paper Identification Guide __Pending__
 * Lesson Plan
 * Student Lab (MS and HS)
 * Video instructions of Diatom Collection, Preparation, and Diversity indicators []
 * This is a series of three videos. Video 1 shows how to collect diatoms. If rocks are not naturally occurring in your collection cite a sample can be taken from plants in the same way.
 * Video 2 shows how to prepare the diatoms for viewing under a microscope. If you do not have a centrifuge a preparation can be made with raw, uncleaned water. There will be more debris present but diatoms will still be visible.
 * Video 3 explains how to use diatom diversity as an indicator of water quality
 * Diatom Identification Key
 * Excellent online resource []
 * Instructions for making a secchi disk.
 * Please have all students use a CD or same sized disk. They then need to mark the line in centimeters. This will ensure data is uniform and easily shared.
 * []
 * Extension 1 (HS or AP Biology)
 * Other Helpful Links
 * [] California Academy of Sciences Diatom Page