Field Notes Journal a personal natural history of place

IV.6 Observation of Pond Micro-Ecosystem

Aim

To observe interactions between different organisms in a pond sample over time.

Specimen & Apparatus

• Pond water sample maintained for several days
• Pipette or dropper
• Slide and coverslip
• Compound microscope

Method

1. Allow a collected pond sample to stand in a container for several days.
2. Gently mix the sample before taking a drop.
3. Transfer a drop to a slide.
4. Apply a coverslip carefully.
5. Examine under low and higher magnification.

Observations to Make

• Variety of organisms present.
• Interactions between organisms.
• Changes in the sample over time.
• Distribution of organisms within the sample.