Pond Exploratory Lesson Plan

Grades: K - 4
Length of Program: 1- 1 ½ hours
Time of Year: Late spring, summer, early fall
Preferred Adult/ Student Ratio: 1/5

Summary:

Students will take a hands-on approach to explore the world beneath the water in this activity. Examining the creatures they catch, your class will learn about the adaptations these animals have that allow them to survive in this harsh environment. They will also look at the interactions that occur between plant and animal below the surface of the pond.

Teacher Preparation:

Discuss the concepts of wetlands, metamorphosis, and food webs

Academic Standards Addressed:

Special Instructions:

Please make sure students are dressed appropriately

Materials:

Aquatic Dip Nets
Petrie Dishes
Water tubs
Aquatic Insect ID Key Charts

Procedure:

Divide the class into groups of 4 - 5 students per group. Each group should take a dip net, wash tub, and key chart. Demonstrate to the group how they should take their tub down to the water and fill it with about 2 - 3 inches of water. Then, they should take turns scooping pond water and vegetation out of the pond, each time picking through the contents to remove any aquatic life and placing it in their wash tub.

After everyone has had a chance to scoop, call the groups together asking them to form a circle with the tubs on the inside. Place representative aquatic creatures in the petrie dishes (when appropriate) and pass them around, telling the group about the life history and adaptations of each one.

When finished, have the groups return all the water and aquatic creatures back into the pond and clean out the nets.

Wrap-up:

Review the concept of a food chain with the class. Have them come up with an aquatic food chain that includes some of the plants and animals they saw during the program.

Contact Information

Bill Volkert
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area
N7728 Hwy 28
Horicon, WI 53032
(920) 387-7860

Questions for Wildlife Management

Last Revised: Tuesday November 27 2007