Pond Water Investigation

Name______Per.___ Date_____ Pond Water Investigation

Objective: In this lab you will investigate the different microorganisms found in pond water and differentiate between the types of protists. You will also determine the role microorganisms play in a freshwater ecosystem.

Materials: Microscope Pond water sample Cover slips Slides Medicine dropper or pipette

Procedure: You will receive a sample of pond water from your teacher. Other samples may be used to perform this lab, such as samples from an aquarium, a lake, or a marsh. 1. Prepare three slides of a pond water sample. 2. Observe your slides under low and high power. 3. On the back of this page you will answer the questions and draw a sketch of the organisms that you will see under the microscope. You may observe different invertebrates, such as Cyclops and Daphnia. 5. Observe the movement of the microorganisms. You will circle which type of movement you see for each organism.

Remember: Sarcodines move via pseudopodia (false feet); ciliates move by using their tiny hair-like structures called cilia; flagellates move by using a whip-like tail called a flagella; and sporozoans have no physical method of movement.

Sample 1

Source of water:______Is the organism unicellular or multicellular? Plant-like, animal-like or fungus-like? What type of movement? Pseudopod, cilia or flagella

Classify this organism:______

Sketch a picture of the organism

Sample 2

Sketch a picture of the organism Sample 3

Sample 4

Conclusion:

1. Try to determine which microorganisms are producers and which are consumers.

2. Of the microorganisms you observed, which moved the fastest? What may be a reason for this microorganism’s fast movement?

3. Describe the roles microorganisms play in the pond community? Use the terms producer and consumer in your answer.