Description
Grades 9-12.
- Study the biodiversity of a simulated pond
- Identify organisms using a dichotomous key
- Calculate the Simpson index of diversity for different pond levels
Students create a simulated pond using 2 culture mixtures and then identify the protists and algae found in their pond using a dichotomous key. Sampling the top, middle, and bottom of the pond, students compare the biodiversity of the various layers using both species richness and the Simpson index for biodiversity. Kit accommodates a class of up to 32 students working in pairs and includes perishable materials when kit is shipped.