The Scoop on Habitat

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
Some aquatic organisms live in open water, while some live in soil at the bottom of a body of water. In this outdoor activity, learners will build a scoop to observe creatures living in soil, and create a new habitat for aquatic life. After pouring the sample on a tarp or wax paper, learners are encouraged to make observations of creatures hiding in the sediment before return the sample to the water within 10 minutes. Step-by-step instructions are included with photos along with safety recommendations. Activity guide includes a "What's going on?" explanation and relevant connections to natural & artificial habitats and sampling.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Large plastic bottle, with a handle and a lid that closes
  • Dark permanent/waterproof marker
  • Utility knife
  • 0.5 kg (1 pound) of rocks
  • Rope or string
  • Tarp or wax paper
  • Waterproof boots or shoes (optional)
  • Magnifying glass (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
      • Oceans and Water
      • Biosphere
  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Plants
      • Animals
    • Ecology
      • Ecosystems

Informal Categories

  • Nature and Environment
  • Outdoor Activity

Audience

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • DIY Science Apps

Rights:

  • , The Regents of the University of California, 2015

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, DRL1114663