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Activities/Crafts --PLAY (Pennsylvania League of Angling Youth) Newsletters --
Coloring Pages --
Videos/Links --
Additional Resources
Education Packages
Macroinvertebrates Education Package
Mussels Education Package
Activities/Crafts
Collecting Critters
Crossword puzzle with tips on how to collect aquatic macroinvertebrates.
Critter Collectors
Plans and instructions for making kick nets and pop bottle bug traps. Also includes information on how to use these tools.
Crayfish Maze
Help the crayfish find the end of this maze.
Match the Hatch
Fun matching game to learn which aquatic insect nymph or larvae go with which adult insect.
PLAY Newsletters
You can find additional activities and crafts on the last page of every PLAY (Pennsylvania League of Angling Youth) newsletter!
Read Along with PFBC playlist
Listen and/or read along with PFBC staff as they share Pennsylvania League of Angling Youth newsletters in a video format.
“Fishing is Reel Fun” booklet
This 18-page activity booklet is full of fishing and boating information to help anglers and boaters of all ability levels enjoy safe, fun, and year-round outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania. Enjoy!
"My Adventures" write-your-own story booklet
With this 12-page activity booklet you can write-your-own adventure about a trip on or near a PA waterway (e.g. stream, river, pond, lake). You can also share something you learn, share how you would teach someone else about what you learned, and share a memory that you will keep with you as you grow. Begin your story today!
PLAY: Crazy for Crayfish
PLAY issue containing the following articles -
Intro to Crayfish; A Closer Look at Crayfish; Crayfish Habitats; Counting On Crayfish; Crayfish in Trouble; Crayfish Maze.
PLAY: Flex Your Mussel Knowledge
PLAY issue containing the following articles -
Intro to Mussels; Healthy Mussels = Healthy Water; Where do Mussels Live?; Birth of New Mussels; Why are Mussels in Danger?; Which Mussels are in Danger?; Can Mussels Move? Matching game.
PLAY: Six Legs Underwater
PLAY issue containing the following articles -
Six Legs Underwater; Family Affair; A Bug’s Life; A Wet World; Match the Hatch matching game; Critter Collectors – Build your own!
Videos
PLAYLISTS
The following link is a playlist that will take you through all of PFBC’s videos related to aquatic macroinvertebrates OR you can go through them individually by clicking links below.
Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention
This video highlights the importance of recognition of aquatic invasive species and the accompanying text explains how to prevent the spread of AIS.
Caddis are Hatching
Caddis flies are aquatic insects found in nearly all of PA’s waters. Some caddis species are at home in small mountain streams, while others prefer the depths of our large rivers and lakes.
Mayfly “Social Distancing”
Mayflies are important food items for many fish, especially trout. There are more than 700 kinds of mayflies in North America.
Mussel Mania
With some of the most interesting and unique common names out there, freshwater mussels like this Plain Pocketbook (Lampsilis cardium) play an important ecological role concerning the health of Pennsylvania’s lakes, rivers and streams and the strategies they utilize to persevere are fascinating!
PA Mussels and PA Mussel Survey Virtual Field Trip
Take a virtual field trip to learn about some of PA's Mussels, learn about a special Mussel relocation project, and see how PFBC conducts a Mussel survey! In this playlist you will learn about types of PA Mussels, parts of Mussels, Mussel reproduction, aging, and identification. You will also learn how PFBC conducts a post project Mussel survey, see all the equipment they use for the survey, and how they process the data.
One Tree’s Legacy
This video introduces viewers to a fallen, hollowed out tree, providing refuge for newly hatched Grannom caddisflies, flying in “slo-mo”! Check out the video description for more details.This video introduces viewers to a fallen, hollowed out tree, providing refuge for newly hatched Grannom caddisflies, flying in “slo-mo”! Check out the video description for more details.
Rain, Bugs, Rising Trout, & Laughter
Moments along the banks of Spring Creek, Centre County, that 14 ladies and their 6 instructors will never forget!
Additional Resources
All Aquatic Insect Fact Sheets
Document that includes: Six Legs Underwater; Ena or Elpa?; Caddis flies; Mayflies; Stoneflies; Macroinvertebrate Feeding Frenzy.
Caddis Flies
Fact sheet detailing life cycle of the caddis fly. Includes the natural history of caddis fly and Pennsylvania specific information.
Clams and Mussels
Introduction to clams and mussels and their anatomy.
Crazy Crayfish
Fact sheet describing crayfish, tips for collecting and storing, and list of common species in Pennsylvania.
Dragons and Damsels
Fact sheet on the life cycle of dragon and damselflies.
Dobsonfly
Information on the lifecycle of Dobsonflies.
Ena or Elpa?
Fact sheet describes insect metamorphosis, complete and incomplete, especially in aquatic insects.
Macroinvertebrate Feeding Frenzy
Feeding practices of macroinvertebrates.
Mayflies
Information on the life cycle of mayflies.
Nightcrawlers
Information on nightcrawlers and how to collect them.
Phytoplankton
Information on phytoplankton, types and biology. Good introduction to these microscopic plants.
Pond and Stream Study Guide
Guide to interpreting the physical and chemical factors of waters, fishes found in those waters and a useful key to macroinvertebrate life.
Snails
An introduction to snails and snail anatomy.
Stoneflies
Information on their life cycle and biology.
Water Walkers
Fact sheet sharing information about insects “walking on water”, how and why.
Zooplankton
Information and identification of different types of zooplankton.