Macro Mania is a classroom adventure that introduces the use of stream macroinvertebrates to determine water quality. Lecture material sets the scene for the activity.

Students will learn about the influence of land use on water quality and the practice of macroinvertebrate sampling to measure water quality. Six teams will be given a deck of macroinvertebrate cards representing a sample of macroinvertebrates from one of three sites, a poster-sized sorting sheet and a map. By sorting the deck of cards onto the sorting sheets, students will determine the water quality at their site from the distribution of macroinvertebrates in their sample. Optional math, public speaking, writing, art and card game extensions will further emphasize the land use/water quality connection. Includes a deck of cards and sorting sheets for six teams. Also includes Macro Mania manual containing background information, step-by-step instructions for activities and extensions. Colorful Macro Mania classroom poster is also included!

Help kids understand the life cycle and habitats of freshwater aquatic macroinvertebrates with this set of flashcards and manual. The 22 full-color cards feature photos of both immature and adult insect stages, and detail life cycle and habitat information. The accompanying manual contains facts on insect characteristics, life cycles, taxonomy, classification, food webs and how macroinvertebrates can be indicators of water quality.

Instructions for activities with the cards are included. The Freshwater Aquatic Macroinvertebrate: Insect Life Cycle and Habitat Flashcards can be used as an extension to the Freshwater Aquatic Macroinvertebrate: Identification Flashcards and the Leaf Pack Experiments Stream Ecology Kit.