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Description
This comprehensive resource includes an entertaining game that simulates the changes taking place when pollution finds its way into a stream. Students take on the roles of different aquatic insects trying to cope with the added stress created by the declining water quality of their habitat.
The Early May Nature Guide draws attention to hatching black flies in our rivers and streams and makes the point that this often maligned insect is an indicator of pollution–free water. In fact, different invertebrates exhibit different tolerances to pollution and as a result are commonly used by field biologists to assess the health of aquatic ecosystems and monitor changes in water quality.
This activity will demonstrate for students how macro invertebrates are used as bio-indicators. After several rounds of the game, participants experience in a very tangible way, how pollution effects the distribution and diversity of macro-invertebrate species over time.
Macroinvertebrate Mayhem provides a meaningful opportunity to take learning about aquatic invertebrates outdoors. The game is supported with a comprehensive introduction into the nature of macro-invertebrates and their role in assessing water quality. All of the materials needed to implement the activity are included in this resource.
General Assessment
Recommendation of how and where to use it
This is an excellent outdoor activity that supports a range of outcomes in science related to the concepts of biodiversity, aquatic ecosystems and human impacts. It is an excellent companion to a stream study or aquatic habitat monitoring project.
Relevant Curriculum Units
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.
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- Alberta
- British Columbia
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- Grade 11
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- Environmental Science
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- Environmental Science 11: Changing ecosystems are maintained by natural processes.
- Grade 12
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- Environmental Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Environmental Science 12: Human actions affect the quality of water and its ability to sustain life.
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Specialized Science 12: Biodiversity is dependent on the complex interactions and processes between biotic and abiotic factors
- Manitoba
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- Grade 4
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- Science
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- Senior 2 Science: Dynamics of Ecosystems
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- Grade 12
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- Environmental Science
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- Advanced Environmental Science 120:Introduction to the human sphere
- Introduction to Environmental Science 120: Investigating Environmental Issues
- Newfoundland & Labrador
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- Science
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- Life Systems: Diversity of Living Things
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- Ontario
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- Environmental Science (Workplace Prep.) Human Impact on the Environment
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- Diversity of Life
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- Interactions Within Ecosystems
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- Science 431A: Life Science, Sustainability of Ecosystems
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- Environmental Science 621A: Introduction to Environmental Science
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- Saskatchewan
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- Science 7: Life Science: Interactions within Ecosystems
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- Science 8: Water Systems on Earth
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- Science 10: Climate and Ecosystem Dynamics
- Yukon Territory
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- Grade 11
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- Environmental Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Environmental Science 11: Changing ecosystems are maintained by natural processes.
- Grade 12
- Step 3Select a subject
- Environmental Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Environmental Science 12: Human actions affect the quality of water and its ability to sustain life.
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Specialized Science 12: Biodiversity is dependent on the complex interactions and processes between biotic and abiotic factors
Themes Addressed
Ecosystems (2)
- Biodiversity
- Habitat Loss
Water (1)
- Water Quality
