Resource Type
Web Link
Region
Arctic
Grade
Middle School and Up
Author(s)
United States Environmental Protection Agency
University of Rhode Island Marine Programs
Narragansett Bay Commission
Topic
Engineering Design
Materials and Tools

Since most plankton is smaller than we can see, they must be looked at using a microscope. They are usually strained from the water using fine mesh nets or sieves with tiny holes. Typical plankton nets have a round opening and look like a funnel that leads into a collection bucket at the end of the net. The nets are towed behind boats or pulled along beaches. Check out this link to learn more.