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Return to Model Zoom Lesson Plans |
 ZOOMplan
Vinegar Eels
(ZOOMplan developed by Dr. Vickie Harry, Clarion, Pennsylvania) |
What structures and behaviors can be observed in vinegar
eels?
Vinegar eels are members of the nematode family. Nematodes are
a large phylum of roundworms. They eat almost anything and therefore
are widespread ecologically and geographically. Almost every species
of plant or animal studied has at least one species if nematode
living in it. Parasitic nematodes infest two thirds of the world’s
population. A spade full of fertile soil may contain a million
nematodes. Three hundred to five hundred million nematodes may live
in the top six inches of an acre field. Sizes range from 0.2 mm to
30 cm. Bodies are smooth, cylindrical and covered by a thick but
flexible covering. Longitudinal muscles extend the length of the
worm, which causes the body to whip about from side to side in
erratic, thrashing movements. Nematodes are the lowest animal to
possess a complete digestive tract with two openings (mouth and
anus). The vinegar eel, Turbatrix aceti (Anguillula), lives in
vinegar on the fungus forming the “mother of vinegar”.
Science:
Observational investigation of the structures and behaviors of
vinegar eels
Objective: Using DigiScope technology, MAIS elementary
and middle school students will observe and record the structure and
movements of vinegar eels.
Concepts: Structure and movements of nematodes
Processes: Observing, describing, communicating,
identifying, collecting data, recording data, displaying and
interpreting data
Project AERO Standards: Science: # 1,5, a. Keep
records of investigations and observations and not alter the
records. Science: # 2, 5, c. Know how to make sketches or models to
aid in explaining scientific procedures or ideas. Science: # 4, 5,
a. Use technology, including cameras, tape recorders, and computers,
to store and retrieve verbal and graphic information and data. b.
Use a variety of scientific tools to collect data. Technology: # 1,
5, a. Use keyboards and other common input and output devices.
Technology: # 3, 5, d. Determine when technology is useful and
select the appropriate tool(s) and technology resources to address a
variety of tasks and problems. Math: # 4, 3, c. Use a variety of
standard tools (e.g., rulers, clocks, measuring tapes, thermometers)
and non-standard objects (e.g., counters, sticks, bolts), to measure
mathematical and physical objects in the environment. English: # 9,
4, b. Gather and record information (e.g., note taking, photography,
surveys). d. Use standard reference tools (e.g., dictionary,
thesaurus, library information systems, encyclopedia, on-line
information) to gather information for research.
Materials: Vinegar
eels, slides and coverslips, droppers and cider vinegar, paper
towels, DigiScopes
Procedure:
1. Secure vinegar eels.
2. Add the vinegar
eels to a small container of cider vinegar.
3. Place a drop of the
vinegar eel culture on a slide and cover with a coverslip.
4. View the
vinegar eels at different magnifications to observe the detail of
structure and movement.
5. Remove the eyepiece from the DigiScope and
insert the camera in its place. Now go to the main menu of Motic
Play and click the Capture button. Print the image by clicking on
the Jump to Edit button. When in the editing window, click the Print
button.
6. Count the number of erratic, thrashing movements in 10
seconds, and record. Repeat three times and find the average.
7. Describe the muscles in the vinegar eels.
8. You can create a video
of vinegar eel movement for a specific time limit by clicking on the
time setting button on the Capture menu. To set the time limit,
click on the 15 button on the panel or click and move the slider to
15 seconds. Next, click on the Record Video button on the Capture
Menu. The Name File box will appear at the top of the image window.
After you type in the name for the video, click and drag the Name
File box to the side so the image can be seen. When you are ready to
begin the video of the vinegar eel’s movements, click Open and
quickly click OK to begin recording. After 15 seconds, the video
will automatically stop. Replay the video for multiple viewings and
data recording. Additional videos can be recorded to research
specific investigations.
9. Research other species of nematodes and
compare your findings to the vinegar eels.
10. Identify the structures
and movements of the vinegar eels on the captured images. Students
may want to make an illustrated booklet for a PowerPoint
presentation of what they learned.
References:
Amery, H. & Songi, J.
(1994). Discover Hidden Worlds The Home. New York: A Golden
Book.
Snedden, R. (1996). Yuck! A Big Book of Little Horrors. New
York, New York: Simon and Shuster.
Usborne Science and Experiments.
(1989). The World of the Microscope. London, England: Usborne
Publishing, Ltd. |
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