Home | Status of Jar | Gallery | Events | Contact | The Rotifers Club
This is a long-term freshwater microorganism project involving the collection of samples of water from various rivers, ponds, lakes, streams, marshes, etc. and then combining them within a larger jar and observing the microorganisms and population dynamics over time. This project was started in Mid March of 2021. Over that period of time the jar has been through a lot and has demonstrated many changes in community structure and water quality. The jar has seen dominant populations of Coleps, Rotifers, Paramecium and Stylonychia as well as a variety of microorganisms for viewing enjoyment. Recently, to try to stimulate algal growth an LED grow light has been being applied to the jar. An aerator is also ocassionally turned on to help add oxygen to the jar. These two things have generated some changes in the jar's community composition. At the moment the predominant population is stylonychia and rotifers. You can follow the changes and see live views yourself in the Status section!
Welcome to The Science Jar (tm)!
Click HERE to get the latest updates on this research!
This photo from educational photo display at Clinton Macomb Public Library's
Main Branch in July of 2023!
Interactive Workshop at CLPL Success!
On 20 April 2024 was the SECOND ANNUAL, microscope workshop hosted by The Science Jar (tm) at Centerline Public Library. The turnout was fantastic and the students were really engaged and excited to be searching for and finding microscopic freshwater orgamism. The samples were from The Science Jar. They learned about the use of a centrifuge, about methyl cellulose to slow things down, and spotted in real time live Rotifers, Nematodes and Ostracods and ostracod carapaces and more. They also learned of different types of microscopes including the conventional light microscope they are familiar with, the inverted microscope as well as stereo microscopes. Over the course of the event they became readily able to identify rotifers, ostracods and nematodes. Because of their interest level the workshop went overtime by about a half hour! In the end, many walked away with their own microscope to continue their adventure. Thank you to one of the parents for the photos. What a great time to educate and inspire! Thank you Wesleyann and Mary at the Center Line Public Library and parents for bring your scholars to this event!
The next event is an interactive presentation at The Earth Fair at Goodells County Park. See Events! Will be in the Middle Barn again! See you there!
Hi From John of The Science Jar (TM)
I am a 50 year old fella who is into a variety of activities in life including hiking and nature photography, kayaking - kayak fishing, music and I read a lot. Mostly I read classic literature, ecology, history and about buddhism. My career is that of an attorney and educator of sorts. I have written articles which have been published in a variety of periodicals on the state level in Michigan and Wisconsin as well as on a regional/national level.
