Making Algae Grow

Materials / Preparation

Each group of students will need:

• A copy of the instructions from the Making Algae Grow experiment
• algal culture (can be obtained from a scientific or aquarium supplier or even from a classroom aquarium)
• water (fresh or salt depending on the algae used)
• large (250-500mL) clear glass or plastic containers
• aluminum foil
• available light source (sunny window is fine)
• droppers or pipettes
• liquid fish fertilizer (available from gardening suppliers)
• wax pencils

Grouping

Groups of two to four

Teacher tips

Please dispose of your algal cultures responsibly. Do not allow your students to pour their algal cultures down the drain without treating the cultures first. There are a couple of ways to dispose of algal cultures. (1) Microwave the cultures (in a microwave-safe container) until they boil. This can be done in a regular microwave used for food preparation. Although it may not smell pleasant, it will not contaminate your microwave. After the microwaved cultures have cooled, they can be poured down the drain. (2) Add bleach to the cultures to make a 1% solution. After allowing the bleached cultures to sit overnight, pour them down the drain with plenty of running water.

Over the next two weeks, remember to have students observe the results of their experiments and to make notes in the appropriate tables.
Note: This activity is required for Lesson 2, Activity 1.

Procedures

1. Explain to students that they are going to begin an exploration of oceans and that today they will be setting up an experiment that will be used a bit later on. The purpose of the activity is to demonstrate the conditions needed for optimum growth of algae.

2. Set up the experiments as described in Making Algae Grow. Have the students do steps 1-7 of the experiment. Students will analyze their results during Lesson 2, Activity 1.

3. Over the next two weeks, remember to have students observe the results of their experiments and to make notes in the appropriate tables.

Resources used

Making Algae Grow
http://www.teachingboxes.org/upwelling/lessons/lesson1_supplement/MakingAlgaeGrow.pdf