I had a great time taking a closer look at the South Coast marine ecosystem with Adele's Class (M12) early last week. We examined a number of different seaweeds, some seashell, Paua shell and a small collection of sea sponges from our coast line. We learnt that our beautiful coastline is home to thousands of different forms of life. The children were mesmerised by the complex structure of sea sponge and with the beautiful colour of red seaweed under the microscope - they both looked AMAZING! We also took a closer look at our samples with magnifying glasses.
Lastly we took a look a special plastic test tube containing some live Paramecium. Paramecium are single celled organisms. We learnt that cells are the building blocks for all life forms, and that Paramecium only has one cell for it's entire body. Most plants and animals have more cells than you can count! Paramecium are so tiny that you need a microscope to see them. They live in water, including lakes, ponds, streams and puddles. You can learn more about Paramecium here should you wish to - http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/paramecium.htm
As soon as we had finished our close inspection I returned our samples back to where we found them. One thing is certain, the South Coast is home to a diverse, amazing & beautiful marine ecosystem!
Lastly we took a look a special plastic test tube containing some live Paramecium. Paramecium are single celled organisms. We learnt that cells are the building blocks for all life forms, and that Paramecium only has one cell for it's entire body. Most plants and animals have more cells than you can count! Paramecium are so tiny that you need a microscope to see them. They live in water, including lakes, ponds, streams and puddles. You can learn more about Paramecium here should you wish to - http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/paramecium.htm
As soon as we had finished our close inspection I returned our samples back to where we found them. One thing is certain, the South Coast is home to a diverse, amazing & beautiful marine ecosystem!