Looking Closely at Plankton

Grades 4–9

Plant and animal plankton are the foundation of most marine food webs. Engaging computer software and hands-on activities enable students to learn about these tiny organisms in a larger-than-life fashion.

Learning standards will be met, as students:

  • Examine several species of phytoplankton
  • Use a simple sorting mechanism to determine which types of zooplankton are shown in photographs given to them
  • Discover the roles plankton play in ocean chemistry and biology

 

Science programs are typically 1.5 - 2 hours in length, and are available for up to 30 students at one time. If you wish to bring more than 30 students, please consider the following opportunities:

  1. Up to 30 students participate in a science program, and up to 30 students participate in a history, language arts & culture program at the Museum. The students then rotate, so each student is able to participate in both programs in one visit.

  2. Up to 30 students participate in a science program, and up to 30 students participate in a program at theOcean Explorium, located within walking distance of the Museum. The students then rotate, so each student is able to participate in both programs in one visit.

  3. Up to 30 students participate in a science program, and up to 30 students participate in a program at theNational Park Visitor Center, located within walking distance of the Museum. The students then rotate, so each student is able to participate in both programs in one visit.

  4. Up to 30 students participate in a science program, and up to 30 students participate in a program at theCoalition for Buzzards Bay, located within walking distance of the Museum. The students then rotate, so each student is able to participate in both programs in one visit.