Weaver Lake Elementary: a Math, Science & Technology School

Weaver Lake Elementary: A Math, Science & Technology School

Maple Grove, Minnesota

Ms. Oldham’s fourth grade class project report

Ms. Oldham fourth grade class visited Rice Lake a series of shallow wetlands in the nature center adjacent to our school. Our class hypothesis was the macro invertebrates in our lake would be somewhat different from other lakes around the world. We based our hypothesis on differences among the healthiness of the water, the climate of a region, and the depth of the water being studied.

We examined the water samples in nine groups made up of 3 to 4 students. Each group had a large container of lake water and forceps and hand lens at their table. The aquatic organisms were sorted and counted using a Key to Life in the Pond. We also viewed them with microscopes and snapped pictures using a proscope. Some larger organisms were viewed using a document camera.

Our Classroom Bucket Buddies Project Data Findings
(9 groups counted our water samples from Rice Lake)
Aquatic Macro invertebrates we found / How many we counted. / Pollution Sensitivity Rating
Midge Larvae
Water Beetle
Back Swimmer
Scud
Caddis fly Larvae
Water Boatman
Diving Beetle Larvae
Water Spider
Snail
Water Mite
Cranefly Nymph
Aquatic Earth Worm
Mosquito Larvae
Leeches
Springtail
Fingernail clam
Mayfly
Dragon nymph
Damsefly nymph
Cuddisfly larva / 6
12
17
23
23
84
25
8
289
10
2
38
7
7
2
3
16
11
60
151 / 4 – Tolerant
Sensitive
2 – Very Tolerant
2 – Very Tolerant
8 - Very Sensitive
3 – Very Tolerant
8 – Very Tolerant
2 – Very Tolerant
2 – Very Tolerant
1 – Very Tolerant
3 – Very Tolerant
7 – Sensitive
2 – Very Tolerant
Tolerant
Sensitive
Somewhat sensitive
Very sensitive
Sensitive
Sensitive
Sensitive

Comparing our results with other regions we were surprised to discover how similar macroinvertebrates are throughout the world in spite of different climates and types of water systems. We were also surprised to find so much life in our lake. We have a cold climate during the winter. Our water temperature is only 59 degrees Fahrenheit. We now know water organisms survive in the water that does not freeze or in the muddy bottom of the lake.