Disturbance Detectives: Biomonitoring Metrics of Benthic Macroinvertebrates as Indicators of Water Quality

Disturbance Detectives is an activity in which students learn about how benthic macroinvertebrates can be used to assess water quality in streams. Using a real dataset, students learn how to calculate commonly used biomonitoring metrics and then complete a set of questions to interpret the biomonitoring metrics. This activity takes between 30 and 45 minutes to complete. The materials for this activity include: A handout for students with information on biomonitoring with freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates and bioassessment metrics, datasheets and activity questions An instructor guide with facilitation instructions, background and interpretation for the case study, extension activities and links for additional resources An answer key for the student activity Learning Objectives Learn about biomonitoring and why it is used for assessment of biotic condition in streams and rivers. Learn different biomonitoring metrics and how to calculate them for 2 sites. Learn how to interpret biomonitoring metrics. Recommended courses for the activity College-level biology or ecology courses or high school advanced biology. We recommend that you work through the activity and determine if it’s appropriate for your students. The time estimate of 30-45 minutes is for a college-level entomology course. Created by Patina K. Mendez, University of California, Berkeley Desiree Robertson-Thompson, Field Museum of Natural History R. William Bouchard, Jr., University of Minnesota, Twin Cities