C-MORE Science Kits

Plankton

(Grades 3–12 for Lessons 1, 2; Grades 6–12 for Lesson 3)

Plankton Kit image Plankton are plant-like (phytoplankton) and animal-like (zooplankton) organisms that are incapable of swimming against major currents in the ocean. This three-lesson kit introduces students to the global significance of these tiny marine organisms. In Lesson 1, students are introduced to plankton through a narrated PowerPoint lecture. In Lesson 2, you will collect a plankton sample using the provided plankton net, so that students will be able to investigate these mysterious critters with a microscope. In Lesson 3, students use the educational CD, Phytopia: Discovery of the Marine Ecosystem, to learn about environmental factors that affect the growth and distribution of phytoplankton, as well as generate phytoplankton blooms via a computer simulation. Computers (not provided) are required for Lesson 3. Lesson 1 requires approximately 15 minutes of class time, while Lesson 2 & 3 require a full 45-minute class period.

For more information about this C-MORE science kit, please download the complete lesson materials (5.6 MB PDF).

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