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Frequently Asked Questions

Teachers

• How can teachers get their class started in PMN?
• Do teachers have to take students to the sampling site?
• Can teachers meet Science Curriculum standards by participating in PMN?

How can teachers get their class started in PMN?
Suggestion One: Use the program as an extracurricular activity with a biology club or group of interested students that can and are willing to meet once a week to sample and identify what they have collected.
Suggestion Two: Divide a class into groups with each group having a unique sampling site. A team leader could perform the plankton tow and the team can identify the sample. It is advised that students stay assigned to the same group/site in order to consistently monitor the changes that occur over time.
Suggestion Three: Partner with another teacher and alternate samplings. That way your class only monitors once or twice a month (depending on how much time you have available).
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Do teachers have to take students to the sampling site?
No. Some teachers have found it helpful to take the group to the sampling site at least once to experience the plankton tow. Also, teachers have assigned individual students to collect the sample. Other teachers have collected samples outside of work and brought the sample into class for the group to identify.
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Can teachers meet Science Curriculum standards by participating in PMN?
Yes. PMN can help meet curriculum requirements for the following National Science Content Standards:

• CONTENT STANDARD C: The Cell, Biological Evolution, Interdependence of Organisms, Matter, Energy, and Organization in Living Systems
• CONTENT STANDARD E: Abilities of Technological Design, Understandings about Science and Technology
• CONTENT STANDARD F: Natural Resources, Environmental Quality, Natural and Human-Induced Hazards, Science and Technology in Local, National, and Global Challenges
• CONTENT STANDARD G: Nature of Scientific Knowledge

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