The directed studies allow students to apply and learn concepts through direct, guided experiences. The inquiry lessons provide a more open-ended opportunity for students to discover the same concepts. The lesson plans contain introductory information as well as a list of expected outcomes, materials, and hyperlinks to related sites. Movies in the limnology tutorial show how salinity and temperature affect water density. Currently data is being posted from five RUSS units that are located in four Minnesota lakes.
Visitors can access data sets about specific lakes by using a search engine on the site.
For example, the water chemistry data of Ice Lake for specific sampling dates can be retrieved. One lesson about fish stocking decisions integrates the ideas of dissolved oxygen levels, water temperature, and fisheries management strategies. The students following the directed study path read background information and complete exercises outlined on the handout provided. Those who choose to do an investigation role play as a fisheries biologist as they collect, analyze, and present their management decisions. Color diagrams, figures, and tables are found throughout the site.