Plankton Microscopy

There is a basic microscopy lab on board, located in the cabin.  Lake samples can be observed on-board and classes are free to take samples with them at the end of the program. 

Our instructors will lead teams through a basic observation/evaluation of plankton samples collected at the Plankton Trawl station.  Depending on the objectives and age of the group, we will complete the following tasks.

Basic microscopy

• Parts of microscope, scaling, etc.
• Preparing plankton samples and viewing them under microscopes.

Plankton Identification

• phyto plankton vs. zooplankton
• Use of visual keys
• Taxonomy

Population Analysis

• Comparison of depth-specific samples
• Niche evaluation
• Relative density, etc.

Observations & Discussion

Teams will complete the appropriate portion of their lab sheets, noting types of organisms found, population density and other factors as appropriate. 

Extensions

• Organism specific studies:  life cycle and adaptations
• population dynamics
• Comparison to historical data from academic sources and previous Floating Classroom years.