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Phytoplankton are fascinating species that can be used as indicators to the overall ecological health of water bodies. They are also relatively simple to collect and analyze, and provide students with a great opportunity to practice scientific sampling techniques and develop classification skills used by scientists to identify patterns and make associations.

My students have sampled a variety of different local lakes and estuaries to assess which water bodies may be showing adverse effects from overdevelopment. These studies help students make valuable connections between the biological, chemical, and physical qualities of water bodies and possible impacts by humans.