The hypothesis is that a diverse range of living forms can be found in a drop of water from a lake or pond.

You will collect pond water, prepare a slide, observe the slide under a microscope, draw the organisms you find, and use a key to identify and group them.

You will need pond water, microscopes, slides, cover slips, droppers, paper towels, small dishes, and a key of freshwater microorganisms.

The microscopic world of freshwater ecosystems is full of life, with a continual struggle and competition for survival. A pond is a miniature cosmos, with a diverse range of living forms competing for energy supplies, food, space, and other resources.

This science project is so interesting and unique because it allows students to explore the microscopic world of freshwater ecosystems and observe the wealth of living organisms in a drop of water.

Experiment variations to consider include collecting water from different sources (e.g. rivers, streams, etc.) and comparing the organisms found in each sample.