A sampling pan for each group to look at benthic organisms

A small plastic cup for each student to scoop benthic organisms and water

2 magnifying lens for a pair of students

Field book, clip-board , pencil for each student

Plastic gloves (teacher's preference)

Antiseptic solution to wash hands after the sampling (Speak to the school nurse for recommendations)

Students have already discussed their local watershed in the class. When you plan a field trip, choose a place in the local watershed. A park would be an ideal site. Take the normal precautions and preparations for an outdoor field trip.

When you take students to a stream environment, this would be a good opportunity to see the diverse element of the watershed on the trip to the stream. What kinds of places are we seeing as we travel? Are there many houses, business, industry, parks or forests? Once you get to the stream site the students are divided into small groups. Explain the goals of the field trip, safety issues and rules.

Prepare sampling materials as necessary for your students. Have the pans, cups, magnifying lenses, forceps, field books, clip boards and pencils all prepared as single packages to be handed out to the groups.