Build-Your-Own Macroinvertebrate Discovery Tank

Not Everyone Can Access a Stream to Discover Aquatic Life, But Now the Stream Can Come to Them!

An Experiential Learning Tool: The Macroinvertebrate Discovery Tank

Stroud Water Research Center’s Education Department designed the discovery tank to allow observers to see freshwater macroinvertebrates move freely through creek water in a simulated stream environment.

Participants use tools such as paintbrushes and plastic spoons to gently maneuver the macroinvertebrates into Petri dishes. They can then observe and identify the insects under a microscope while discovering how they indicate water quality and support a healthy freshwater ecosystem.

The well-being of the animals is also key to the tank’s design, which includes providing a natural habitat and ways to maintain temperature and oxygen levels. At the conclusion of an education program, the animals are to be safely returned to the stream or river where they were found.

Using accessible, low-cost supplies, educators can build their own Macroinvertebrate Discovery Tanks for both indoor and outdoor classrooms, community events, conferences, educator professional development, and more.

Caring for Aquatic Macroinvertebrates: Best Practices for Educators

Aquatic macroinvertebrates are living animals that have evolved in cool, flowing, oxygen-rich streams. By re-creating these natural conditions as closely as possible, you can minimize stress during investigations and help ensure they remain healthy until they are returned to their stream.

The Stroud Center gratefully acknowledges the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for supporting the discovery tank’s development and use through the Environmental Education Grants Program. While grants fund some of the Stroud Center’s work, we also rely on the generous support of donors. Support innovative work like this by donating today.