Most of the photosynthesis in the oceans is performed by tiny, single-celled creatures called phytoplankton. In the teaching lab of the Parsons Laboratory for Environmental Engineering, phytoplankton experts from Professor Sallie Chisholm’s lab will be presenting a collection of hands-on activities and demonstrations about microbes, photosynthesis, and the oceans. We will show you photosynthesis in action with scraps of leaves, we will watch some of the smaller inhabitants of the Charles River going about their business through the microscope, and we will discuss the diversity of photosynthetic life forms and their pigments through a coloring exercise. Appropriate for (and, or course, interesting to) all ages, with parental supervision for young children. Some lucky visitors will receive a copy of Professor Chisholm’s children’s book on photosynthesis.