About the Course
In this course we will give your students the opportunity to sample macroinvertebrates, identify them and categorize them based on their tolerance to pullution, and them use them to calculate metrics and assess water quality -- all in the classroom! We have faux environments in which the students must search for small insect models, which are hidden in the soil, in plants, under rocks/logs, etc. All included insect orders/families are specific to our District here in Virginia.
The activity is an excellent opportunity for students to experience this type of field sampling without leaving the school and without making any sort of mess.
The activity would work best if there is a full hour available, but can be done in 45 minutes. Previous students have expressed their love for the activity and that they learned so much!
Your Instructor
Amanda Whispell
Amanda had her doctorate in entomology and her primary area of study is damselflies.