Make a Plankton Net

Overview

Students will engage in a hands-on activity to build their own plankton nets and help them understand how scientists use the nets to study changes in the ocean ecosystem.

Objective

Students will gain an understanding of how scientists use plankton nets and microscopes to study changes in the ocean ecosystem.

Preparation

Show students the first 10 minutes of the film 'Hunt for Killer Algae' (See Resources section fro information on downloading the film). This provides background for understanding how scientists use plankton nets and microscopes to study changes in the ocean ecosystem. Direct student to review directions to make net from 'Killer' curriculum. Have models of nets from previous classes at each home base, have extra adults present to help students learn how to sew materials.

Description

PDF "How to Make a Plankton Net" can be downloaded here:

http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/hab/outreach/pdf_files/habhunthdbk.pdf

1. Half of the students at each home base twist wire around soda bottle, other two students staple fabric to make a double sided 'triangle' stapled on longer of the two open sides of the triangle. Switch tools.

2. Cut three strings of yarn about as long as your arm. Tie the string onto the rim of the net.

3. Place 'elf hat' inside of wire rim. Line up stapled side to lay on top of wire handle. Whip stitch thread to connect fabric to wire rim.

4. Use sharpie to write student name on net.

5. Attach fine fabric square to bottle using rubber band.

6. Attach bottle to net using rubber band.

7. Lash net to dowel handle using yarn.

8. Tuck nets in home base material bags for plankton sampling on field trip.

Resources

NOAA CD/DVD 'Hunt for Killer Algae' can be downloaded from the following website:

http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/hab/outreach/education.html

PDF "How to Make a Plankton Net" can be downloaded here:

http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/hab/outreach/pdf_files/habhunthdbk.pdf

Credits

Maggie Prevenas, prevenas [at] hawaiiantel.net