These can include both microscopic and macroscopic organisms. Although one of the benefits of this exercise is that it can be used to demonstrate a plethora of ecological principles, the following example is provided as a simple model of what might be accomplished. The class is divided into small groups and each is assigned one abiotic factor to be responsible for. Each group is given specific instructions for their abiotic factor. For ease of data collection, the river is divided into the same number of sections as there are groups.
Groups test each section of the river for their assigned abiotic factor and collect data.
Each group is assigned one section of the river. This data is recorded. Once a month during remaining portion of Semester One. Same groups will continue to collect and compile abiotic and biotic data. Baseline data is compiled.