Experiential Learning

BASIC & Advanced INVESTIGATIONS

BASIC INVESTIGATION
On-board visual inspections of retrieved sediment samples can be messy!  However, it is fascinating to see exactly what lies at the bottom of the lake.  Sediments range from mud to rock, and often have a good deal of organic matter, mussels and other organisms immediately observable.

ADVANCED INVESTIGATION
For middle school or high school biology classes, we recommend that teachers bring containers on-board so that samples can be returned to classrooms for further experimentation.  One excellent activity is the Winogradsky Column, which allows students to observe and differentiate types of bacteria that are present in the sediment.  The project takes several weeks to develop, but does not require any special equipment.

The many different microbial ecosystems in the sediment at the bottom of the lake. (see chart at left)

A brief video explanation is available