Macro Mania

Grades 3 and up
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!