box of information sheets and water testing materials

Water Habitat Site Study

In this activity, students explore a local water ecosystem and discover organisms living in various habitats. Many of these organisms provide food and cover for fish. Each student collects aquatic invertebrates using a dip net and sorts through muck scooped from the lake bottom. Students also use a rake to collect aquatic plant specimens. They’ll have the opportunity to sketch the specimens, and to use field guides and identification keys to study and identify the plants and animals. From these sketches, they’ll make a pond, stream, or lake discovery book.

Kit includes a classroom set of tools, bins, and ID charts.

View and download the lesson plan here. 

Credit: MN DNR MinnAqua Program

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