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Welcome to The Science Jar (tm)! 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! Click HERE to get the latest updates on this research! Latest Updates: 15 April 2026 look into the jar has been added to the jar status page. Updated Events with 2025 Earth Fair Interactive Exhibit and Milford Public Library Informative Display for March 2025. Updated Events and Status Sections from Earth Fair Event! Updated info for Earth Fair Event on Events Page Updated with Eductional Photo Display at Milford Public Library Event Updated with Info from 20April2024 Interactive Workshop at Center-Line Public Library! Updated Status with 1 April 2024 Look into the Jar! Check it Out! Updated Status with 17 March 2024 Look Into the Jar! Check it Out! Updated Events with Center Line Public Library Interactive Workshop! Status of Jar Updated 14 November 2023 Ostracods added to Photo Gallery 18May2023 Check it Out! New Event Added for Sept 13th! Lake Ice Research Project Started 11 Feb 2023 Added Cyclops Larva photos to Gallery Photos of Cyclops added to Gallery, 30Jan2023 Vorticela Gallery Added 19Jan2023 Rotifer Photo Gallery Added 12Jan2023 A Digression: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug under a Microscope in Gallery Added 11Jan2023 This photo from educational photo display at Clinton Macomb Public Library's Main Branch in July of 2023!

Hi From John of The Science Jar (TM) I am a 53 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.