Plankton are a very important part of the food chain in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico drift through the ocean carried by currents. Although plankton can’t control their movements against the current, they are able to maintain neutral buoyancy by increasing their surface area-to-volume ratio as well as by producing and releasing lipids (fats). In this activity, students use a variety of materials to construct various models of plankton to gain an understanding of neutral buoyancy.
The lesson plan includes a materials list, background educational information, instructions, and a link to a video demonstration of the activity.
The Great Plankton Race: A Hands-On Activity for Children Ages 4-14 (PDF)