Investigate and explore the most crucial part of the marine environment that is not normally considered or looked at; the crazy and bizarre world of the microscopic plants and animals found in the sea....Plankton. With plant plankton producing over 50% of the earth's oxygen, and animal plankton forming the basis of all marine food chains; plankton are fundamental to all life in the oceans. This fun and energetic activity allows the children to learn about what grows into what, who is who, and what makes plankton so perfect for the environment that they live in. Rangers demonstrate how to trawl for plankton, and then assist the children as they trawl in the shallow waters. Everyone's catch is then examined and identified using microscopes and the best finds of the day are shown on television through our video microscope. The opportunity is also given to design your own mini beast with ‘Plankton Misfits' and even make your own plankton net.
|
