Cattail DNA Extraction

Activity Summary
Students are given an introduction to ecological successions including the different levels of succession and the pioneer species that are needed to begin the process of succession. They are then given the opportunity to examine two man-made ponds and compare them to each other. Students will be looking at why the pond was created, what was there prior to the pond and what type of succession is present.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Observe ecological succession in two ponds
2. Differentiate between types of succession
3. Identify species that make up different successional communities

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans
Teacher prep video: Micropipetting
Teacher prep video: Preparing DNA samples

Keywords
primary succession, secondary succession, life history

Last updated: 3/9/2015