Creator: Microscopy UK | visit site
Grade Range: 6 - 11
Take a virtual dip in a pond to examine the microscopic critters found there! Mouse over each organism to bring up facts, links to more information, and sizes. Be sure to click on "How to collect microscopic pond life" to easily capture your own microscopic critters.
In the Classroom
As part of a unit on microscopy, show a variety of organisms that can be found in pond water. Use this resource to identify organisms that have been collected locally. If you have access to a microscope with a digital camera, take pictures of the critters and post on a wiki, blog, or site with descriptions, sizes, and other information. Use images collected or have students draw pictures to create food chains around the room using the organisms.
At Home
Collect organisms locally with your scientist or community group. Use this resource to identify the organisms in the pond. Take pictures of the organisms and add information from this site to create a visual record of ponds in your community.