Science and Technology K-6 Waterbug Survey
About this program
Waterbugs, also known as macroinvertebrates, are small creatures with no backbone that can be seen with the unaided eye. Different kinds of waterbugs have different tolerances to pollution and can therefore provide an indication of the health of your waterway. A healthy waterway will have an abundance and wide diversity of waterbugs. Students will scientifically survey the waterway to identify what types of waterbugs are present and use that data to assess the water quality.
ES1 STe-3LW-ST explores the characteristics, needs and uses of living things.
S1 ST1-4LW-S describes observable features of living things and their environments.
S2 ST2-4LW-S compares features and characteristics of living and non-living things.
S3 ST3-4LW-S examines how the environment affects the growth, survival and adaptation of living things
Students will understand the importance of macroinvertebrates in freshwater ecosystems.
- Students will be able to identify different types of macroinvertebrates commonly found in freshwater environments.
- Students will develop skills in conducting scientific investigations, including data collection and analysis.
- Students will learn about the indicators of water quality based on the presence of different macroinvertebrates.
- Students will collaborate effectively with their peers to conduct a scientific investigation and present their findings.
- Students can explain the role of macroinvertebrates in a freshwater ecosystem.
- Students can identify and classify at least three different types of macroinvertebrates found in the surveyed freshwater environment.
- Students can safely collect data on the abundance and diversity of macroinvertebrates using appropriate scientific tools and methods.
- Students can analyse the data collected to draw conclusions about the water quality of the freshwater environment based on the macroinvertebrate populations.
- Students can present their findings in a clear and organised manner, including observations, data analysis, and conclusions, to their peers or the school community.
Learning Experiences
BEEC staff -
- identify safe survey areas and out of bounds areas
- demonstrate correct use of sampling equipment
- assist with waterbug identification
- demonstrate sorting and counting of samples
- supervise the return of waterbugs close to sampling area.
Using iPads to capture images for uploading to iNaturalist – citizen science
Conduct a comparison between two different habitats e.g. reeds versus gravel bed.
Important information
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