Pond Science

That is living in the water? Groups of two to three view pond water with microscopes in order to find microorganisms. They draw pictures of the ones they find in their slides.  The groups compare their drawings to pictures of common pond...

Students compare two mini-ponds. In this environmental awareness lesson, students build two mini-ponds from water holes. Students add fertilizers to one and not to the other. The results are observed and compared. This could easily be...

What a terrific way to explore the pond habitat! Learners discuss the animal and plant life found in the Long Island area. They also discuss vocabulary terms, identify pollution concerns, and resource conservation.

Field trip! The class will review what they know about organisms that dwell in freshwater ponds, then trek down to the old water hole to collect specimens for examination. This includes several web links, useful tips, and an excellent...

Create this beautiful koi pond scene using watercolor paper, crayons, and paints. This would be a fantastic project to link to a scientific study of pond life or a historical study of Japanese culture.

A lab activity is a great way to incite thoughtful questioning and scientific processes. Pupils will collect organisms with a Petri dish, make observations, sketch the organism, ask questions, then attempt to identify the specimen...

Sometimes things can be hidden in plain sight. Assist your young biologists as they explore the hidden lives of microorganisms surviving in water. Pupils bring samples of water to class and view these under the microscope to witness the...

Observe a pond's tiniest life forms. Zoom in on Daphnia, also called water fleas, a type of crustacean that often dwells on the pond floor.

Do you have a pond in your backyard? While typically used for recreational or aesthetic purposes, ponds actually provide a habitat for several species. Identify some of the benefits aquatic plants have on pond ecosystems, and learn small...