Lake-in-a-Tube: A microcosm system to support labs in ecology

The Lake-in-a-tube (LIAT) microcosm system allows students to create controlled, replicated experiments that investigate the ecology and water quality of lakes. Students readily observe changes over short time scales and can quantify algae density using a variety of methods. For the past 3 years, first-year Saint Michael's College students use the LAIT system in a case-study based lab program. Students investigate the impacts of abiotic (nutrient concentration, stormwater runoff) and biotic (food-chain length) factors on algae and then participate in a CURE that tests novel questions. This inherently flexible system allows for use addressing a wide variety of educational needs from simple demonstrations, experiences for a single lab session, multi-week lab units, or a scaffolded series of lab and field experiences focused on a case-study of algae blooms in lakes. This paper introduces the system components, provides detailed materials and methods for two simple experiments using the LIAT system, provides multiple detailed data collections methods, and provides an overview of additional applications for upper and lower-level courses in general biology and ecology.