Stream Study Nets

You will need: 1 wire coathanger :: 1 pair of used pantyhose :: needle & thread

1. Bend the coathanger into a circular shape.
2. Bend the hook until it is closed to form a handle. Some instructions suggest adding additional handles, they can be awkward for students to work with and carry.
3. Sew the waist of the pantyhose to the frame as neatly as possible - folding the elastic to the outside of the net. (You do not want to create a "lip" of elastic on the inside of the net, it will obstruct its operation.
4. Cut the legs of the pantyhose and sew the openings shut. The body of the pantyhose will form the pouch for the net.

Underwater Viewer

You will need: plastic container (yogurt, margarine, cottage cheese) :: clear plastic wrap or bag :: scissors, large size :: elastic bands

1. Help students to cut off the bottom of the container.
2. Stretch plastic wrap over the bottom. Fasten it into place using elastic bands.

To use: Plunge the magnifier straight down into the water being careful not to let any water in. (If water fills the container, the magnifier won't work.)

Secchi Disc

You will need: 20 cm diameter piece of 3mm galvanized tin :: black waterproof paint :: white waterproof paint :: drill :: 10 mm drill bit :: 10 mm eyebolt and nut :: tape measure :: 10 metres of polyethylene rope :: permanent marker

1. Paint both sides of the piece of tin white.
2. Locate the centre of the disc by drawing an X from 4 equidistant points around the perimeter of the tin.
3. Paint 2 opposite quadrants of the X you marked black on both sides of the disc.
4. Drill a 10 mm hole in the centre of the disc.
5. Insert the eyebolt through the hole and thread the nut onto the eyebolt and tighten.
6. Tie the rope onto the eyebolt and mark off .5 m increments on the rope with the permanent marker.