• This book guides students through use of a single inexpensive and intuitive experimental microcosm system to teach ecological concepts, the scientific method, experimental design, and freshwater ecology. At its heart are eight carefully-designed and fully tested laboratory experiments that teach foundational ecological concepts and serve as an encouraging framework for testing novel questions in ecology. Designed as a companion to the Lake-in-a-Tube microcosm system, this book features activities for college-level students that are adaptable to various levels of lab capacity, from none to fully-equipped biology laboratories. Additional content supports development of novel experimental questions for inquiry-based independent projects and Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences. Activities are centered around the global problem of freshwater harmful algae blooms in lakes and the consider the various abiotic and biotic factors that affect them. All educators and their students can preview the Lake-in-the-Tube system's features and capacity at https://www.lake-in-a-tube.com.

Brian Swisher is a Senior Instructor and Lab Coordinator at Saint Michael's College, USA. He holds B.S. and M.S. Degrees in Biology from the University of Illinois and training in secondary education from the Teacher Apprenticeship Program. He is thankful to be teaching at a small liberal arts institution with a priority on student-faculty interaction. His expertise in aquatic and behavioral ecology comes from years of work in many research positions at many institutions.  His passion is using his accumulated knowledge to bring laboratory experiences for students to life in exciting ways that use live organisms whenever possible.  He has used Lake-in-Tube with students both introductory and advanced courses, including: Introduction to Ecology and Evolution, Communications in Biology, Aquatic Biology, Community Ecology, and Behavioral Ecology.