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Bugs. Clues to the Environment

Secondary, Elementary, Middle

Description

Several of the Spring/Summer Nature Guides point out that while some can be especially annoying, insects play extremely important roles in aquatic ecosystems.   As the weather warms and water levels fall, spring is an excellent time of year to explore the diversity of macro-invertebrate life found in near-by lakes, streams and ponds.

This resource involves students in a bio-monitoring project of a local waterway.  Aquatic invertebrates are known to exhibit different tolerances to pollution and as a result are commonly used to assess the health of aquatic ecosystems and monitor changes in water quality.   Instructions for locating, sampling and identifying aquatic insects are provided along with the background information students will need to analyze the data they collect.  

The resource is supported by an accompanying Macro-Invertebrate Identification Key.  Older students may prefer this more detailed key.

 

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This resource is an excellent outdoor companion to the study of aquatic habitats, biodiversity and classification. Students will have the opportunity to participate in and develop authentic field biology skills including the use of dichotomous keys.

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
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions and Ecosystems
    • Grade 8
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
  • British Columbia
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    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11:Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems
      • Physical Education & Health
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Physical and Health Education - Outdoor Education: Spending time outdoors allows us to develop an understanding of the natural environment and ourselves
    • Grade 12
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      • Physical Education & Health
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Physical and Health Education - Outdoor Education: Spending time outdoors allows us to develop an understanding of the natural environment and ourselves
  • Manitoba
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    • Grade 4
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Habitat and Communities
    • Grade 6
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Diversity of Living Things
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions Within Ecosystems
    • Grade 8
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Water Systems on Earth
    • Grade 10
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Senior 2 Science: Dynamics of Ecosystems
  • New Brunswick
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    • Grade 9
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 9 Ecosystem Dynamics: Learning and Living Sustainably
        • Science 9 Ecosystem Dynamics: Scientific Literacy
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
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    • Grade 4
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      • Science
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        • Habitats
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      • Science
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        • Diversity of Life
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interaction of Ecosystems
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Water Systems on Earth's Surface
    • Grade 10
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 1206: Sustainability of Ecosystems
  • Northwest Territories
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    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions and Ecosystems
    • Grade 8
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
  • Nova Scotia
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    • Grade 4
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: Habitats
    • Grade 6
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 6: Diversity of Life
    • Grade 10
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 10: Sustainability of Ecosystems
  • Nunavut
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Life Systems: Habitats & Communities
    • Grade 5
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    • Grade 6
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Life Systems: Diversity of Living Things
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions and Ecosystems
    • Grade 8
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
  • Ontario
  • Prince Edward Island
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    • Grade 4
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Habitats
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions Within Ecosystems
    • Grade 8
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Water Systems on Earth
    • Grade 10
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 431A: Life Science, Sustainability of Ecosystems
  • Quebec
  • Saskatchewan
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Habitats and Communities
    • Grade 6
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 6: Life Science: Diversity of Living Things
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7: Life Science: Interactions within Ecosystems
    • Grade 8
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 8: Water Systems on Earth
    • Grade 10
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 10: Climate and Ecosystem Dynamics
  • Yukon Territory
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11:Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems
      • Physical Education & Health
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Physical and Health Education - Outdoor Education: Spending time outdoors allows us to develop an understanding of the natural environment and ourselves
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Physical Education & Health
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Physical and Health Education - Outdoor Education: Spending time outdoors allows us to develop an understanding of the natural environment and ourselves

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (3)

  • Appreciating the Natural World
  • Biodiversity
  • Interdependence

Water (1)

  • Water Quality

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