Book 30, Question 51 · Video
What are diatoms, the tiny algae with glass shells?
Diatoms are single-celled algae that live in lakes and ponds. Each one builds a tiny shell of glass, called silica, with two halves that fit together like a box and its lid. Thousands of shapes exist, like stars, discs, and boats. Diatoms use sunlight to make food and oxygen, and they are a favorite meal of water fleas. In spring, they often multiply so fast that the lake looks brownish.
Read the full answer →Watch on YouTubeSee the series on Amazon
What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What are diatoms, the tiny algae with glass shells?
The Big Idea
Some tiny algae live in glass houses! They're called diatoms. What are they?
Glass Shells
Step one: Glass Shells. Diatoms are single-celled algae that live in lakes and ponds. Each one builds a tiny shell of glass, called silica, with two halves that fit together like a box and its lid.
Many Shapes
Step two: Many Shapes. Thousands of different diatom shapes exist, like stars, discs, and boats. They're too small to see without a microscope.
Food Makers
Step three: Food Makers. Diatoms use sunlight to make food and oxygen, and they're a favorite meal of water fleas. In spring, they often multiply so fast that the lake looks brownish.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Glass shell. Box and lid. Makes food. Eat them.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Diatom shells can pile up on a lake bottom and last for millions of years. Need a microscope. They make oxygen. Spring blooms look brown.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, put a drop of pond water on a slide. Look at it under a microscope. Search for tiny shapes. Sketch what you see. Could any be diatoms?
Outro
Diatoms are single-celled algae that build tiny glass shells of silica with two halves like a box and lid, in thousands of shapes. They make food and oxygen from sunlight, feed water fleas, and can turn spring lakes brownish. Science is amazing! What will you discover next? Every question is a new adventure, so keep wondering and keep exploring with me! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!