Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Testing and Begining Plankton

Today students came in, reviewed, and took the Unit Ecology Test. Justin and Rick were the first ones to complete the vocabulary puzzle and received beads for their efforts.

After completing the tests, we talked about plankton. There are three types of phytoplankton - cyanobacteria, diatoms, and dinoflagellates. Phytoplankton are a really important food source in the ocean because they are the only "plants" in the middle of the ocean where the seafloor is miles down.

Next we discussed zooplankton. Zooplankton are animal plankton (because they belong in the zoo). There are two types of zooplankton - meroplankton and holoplankton. Holoplankton are plankton for their whole lives. Meroplankton are only plankton for part of their lives. As they develop they will become part of the nekton or benthos.

The students worked on a challenge and had to match larval plankton forms with the adult forms. Many of the organisms change a lot - like this cone snail larvae. Ethan, Rick, Justin, Beth and maybe someone else only missed two, matching seven of the nine correctly. Congrats.

Check out this awesome website Beyond the Reef for more information about plankton and more meroplankton transformation pics. Tomorrow we will continue to discuss plankton and start the Plankton Grand Prix!
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Computer Lab Etiquette

You are in the computer lab to do work for this class. If you are not doing work, then we will have problems.

Do not pack up early. Work until the bell or until MsJ says.

SAVE OFTEN. And if you save to a key, also save it to your number. If you lose it, you will have to do it again.

If MsJ asks for your attention, stop what you are doing and listen to what she has to say.

You may watch videos about your organism through reliable websites.

You may listen to music through the computer if you have your own headphones. Rule1 MsJ cannot hear it. You get one warning. Rule2 Turn it on and listen – no million clicks and constant changing. Take both ear phones out when MsJ is talking.