• Students will be inside for the entire class. 
• Review of the vocabulary words before class is helpful.

In this class, students will explore the exciting microscopic world of plankton (microscopic aquatic life). Students are often surprised at the amount and complexity of life that can be found in a single drop of water. The class begins with an introduction to plankton, its contribution to aquatic food chains and its important role in the production of atmospheric oxygen. Students next “focus” on microscope basics and then practice using a microscope with prepared slides. Following basic practice, students regroup briefly to see examples of live plankton. They will also receive instructions on classifying the plankton they observe by first determining whether it is plant (phytoplankton) or animal (zooplankton) and then into subcategories based on observed characteristics. During the remaining class time, students will work in pairs to prepare plankton slides and explore, classify, and sketch their exciting plankton discoveries.

1. Use appropriate tools and techniques in gathering, analyzing and interpreting data. (5.1.3.4.1)
2. Describe how plant and animal structures and their functions provide an advantage for survival in a given natural system. (5.4.1.1.1)