Field Notes Journal a personal natural history of place

IV.1 Survey of Pond Water

Aim

To identify a range of microscopic organisms present in natural water.

Specimen & Apparatus

• Pond, ditch, or rainwater sample
• Pipette or dropper
• Slide and coverslip
• Compound microscope

Method

1. Collect a small sample of water, including some sediment if present.
2. Transfer a drop to a slide using a pipette.
3. Apply a coverslip carefully.
4. Examine under low power to locate organisms.
5. Increase magnification to observe detail.

Observations to Make

• Variety of organisms present in the sample.
• Differences in size, shape, and movement.
• Distribution of organisms within the drop.
• Presence of plant material or debris.