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Bear Trap: Finding Tardigrades
Submitted by: Karen H.
Recommended Grade Level(s):
Appropriate for: Grade 10
Time Requirements:
Activity Time: Multiple class sessions
Teaching Topics & Concepts:
Ecology and Biology
National Science Standards Alignment
NGSS: HS-LS3-1, HS-LS4
Materials:
• Moss or lichen sample
• Microscope
• Slide
• Coverslip
• Petri dish
Step-by-Step Procedure:
How to Find Terrestrial Tardigrades
1. Collect a clump of moss or lichen (dry or wet) and place in a shallow dish, such as a Petri dish.
2. Soak in water (preferably rainwater or distilled water) for 3–24 hours.
3. Remove and discard excess water from the dish.
4. Shake or squeeze the moss/lichen clumps over another transparent dish to collect trapped water.
5. Starting on a low objective lens, examine the water using a stereo microscope.
6. Use a micropipette to transfer tardigrades to a slide, which can be observed with a higher power under
a compound microscope.
https://serc.carleton.edu/microbelife/topics/tardigrade/index.html
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Common collection sites for moss are in shady spots
on lawns and under trees.
Common collection sites for lichen are trees and old
brick patios.
