Aquatic Ecology – Mussels and More

Who lives in the Frenchman river, and why?  Explore the aquatic habitat of minnows, crayfish, backswimmers, freshwater mussels and more.  Learn how to describe and measure biotic and abiotic factors of the freshwater habitat.  Collect freshwater mussels and observe them in detail realizing their needs and contribution to the prairie aquatic habitat.

Curriculum Links:  Science 10, Biology 20, Wildlife Management 10, 20, 30

Dates:  This program will be offered in Spring 2012. Please stay tuned for available dates or contact the Program Manager for more information!

Learning Outcomes:  Knowledge of freshwater ecology: habitat, mussel ecology, abiotic and biotic factors. Students will develop skills with aquatic tests: pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen. Participants will collect specimens and identify by dichotomous key.