Biological Succession in a Microecosystem

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This laboratory activity helps learners understand the concept of biological succession by simulating the process in a microenvironment with various protozoans. By manipulating environmental factors such as temperature, light, and food, learners are able to see in a matter of weeks the results of change that can take years in larger ecosystems in nature.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 12 months
Estimated Materials Cost:
Over $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 14 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Medium size culture dishes - 6
  • Boiled pond or spring water
  • Droppers - 6
  • Cooked wheat grain
  • Stereomicroscope
  • Microscope (compound light)
  • Glass slides
  • Cover slips
  • Graph paper
  • Paramecium culture
  • Mixed rotifer culture
  • Blepharisma culture
  • Eudorina culture
  • Peranema culture
  • Euglena culture
  • Amoeba culture

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Viruses and Bacteria
      • Protists and Fungi
    • Ecology
      • Ecosystems
      • Populations
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Deal, Sharon

Rights: