Instructions
Read the information about the amazing Lake Clifton. Then, complete the fun activities to become a thrombolite expert!
Let's Learn About Lake Clifton!
Imagine a rock that is actually alive! In a special lake in Western Australia called Lake Clifton, you can find just that. They are called thrombolites.
These lumpy, grey "living rocks" are built by huge groups of tiny living things called microbes. These microbes are so small you can't see them! Over thousands of years, they work together, building the thrombolites layer by layer. They are some of the oldest living things on Earth!
Lake Clifton is an ecosystem. An ecosystem is a community where living things (like thrombolites, fish, and birds) and non-living things (like water, sunlight, and sand) all live together and depend on each other. The thrombolites are very important because as they grow, they release tiny bubbles of oxygen, the air we need to breathe. They help make the lake a healthy home for many other creatures.
Activity 1: Word Detective
Draw a line to match the word to its correct meaning.
| 1. Thrombolite | A. A community of living and non-living things. |
| 2. Ecosystem | B. A tiny living thing, too small to see without a microscope. |
| 3. Microbe | C. A lumpy, rock-like structure built by microbes. |
Activity 2: Fact or Fiction?
Read each sentence and circle if it is True or False.
- Thrombolites are made by large animals like whales. True / False
- Lake Clifton is a special ecosystem in Western Australia. True / False
- An ecosystem is only made of non-living things like water. True / False
- Thrombolites are important because they make oxygen. True / False
Activity 3: Fill the Gaps!
Use the words from the word bank to complete the sentences below.
The thrombolites at Lake Clifton are built by huge groups of tiny _______________. They are _______________, which means they are very, very old. These "_______________ rocks" are part of a special _______________. They are very helpful because they release _______________ into the water.
Activity 4: Draw the Ecosystem
In the box below, draw the Lake Clifton ecosystem. Make sure to include and label these things:
- Thrombolites (living)
- The Water (non-living)
- The Sun (non-living)
- A Fish (living)
Start your drawing here!
Answer Key
Activity 1: Word Detective
1. Thrombolite → C. A lumpy, rock-like structure built by microbes.
2. Ecosystem → A. A community of living and non-living things.
3. Microbe → B. A tiny living thing, too small to see without a microscope.
Activity 2: Fact or Fiction?
- False
- True
- False
- True
Activity 3: Fill the Gaps!
The thrombolites at Lake Clifton are built by huge groups of tiny microbes. They are ancient, which means they are very, very old. These "living rocks" are part of a special ecosystem. They are very helpful because they release oxygen into the water.
Activity 4: Draw the Ecosystem
Your drawing should include the sun, water, thrombolites, and a fish, with each part labeled.