The Lawrence Hall of Science
The public science center of the University of California, Berkeley.
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Plants need nutrients to grow. This is why we apply fertilizers to grass and food crops. In this activity, learners will explore how fertilizers can affect lakes and other bodies of water. Learners will first have to collect a sample of algae from a pond, lake, or stream. Using these samples. Learners will then examine the effects of fertilizer and fish food on the algae over two weeks. Step-by-step instructions are included with photos along with safety recommendations. Activity guide includes a “What’s going on?” explanation and relevant connections to the effects of algae growth and death on rivers and lakes. Materials List:
DIY Lake Science Algae in ExcessPDF
Topics: Rivers, Lakes, Oceans & Water, Nature & Environment, Ecology, Plants
Grade Level: Grade 4 and up
Activity Type: Outdoor Activity
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Activity Time: 20 minutes + data collection
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