Water World
Exploring wet habitats and their ecosystems
What's a pond?
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| Bullfrog |
Ponds are either natural or man-made depressions in the ground where water collects. Ponds often support a large variety of animal and plant life.
Small, Small Pond “Simon Says”
(from a Small, Small Pond by Denise Fleming)
Approx. age level: Pre-K through 2nd grade
Students simulate critters and characteristics of a pond to better understand such a habitat. View and print images from www.wildohio.com by visiting the Photo Gallery or the A-Z Species Guide.
- Leap like a frog
- Wriggle like a tadpole
- Waddle like a goose
- Hover like a dragonfly
- Doze like a turtle
- Lunge like a heron
- Swim like a minnow
- Twirl like a whirligig beetle
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- Swoop like a swallow
- Clack like a crayfish
- Dip like a duck
- Fish like a raccoon
- Pack like a muskrat
- Freeze like a pond
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Click here for more Small, Small Pond activities and resources
Man-Made vs. Natural items in the Pond
Approx. age level: Pre-K through 5th grade
Place items in an opaque bag or box. Have the children reach in and grab an item, describe it, and determine whether it is a natural or man-made item and if it should be found near/in a pond or not. Have the children place the items in either a “yes” or “no” bucket/box depending on if the item should be in the pond or not.
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Man-made “No” Items:
- Pop can
- Plastic grocery bag
- Fishing line
- Small chip bag
- Candy wrapper
- Styrofoam cup
- Plastic water bottle
- Plastic pop ring holder
- Fishing lure (no hooks)
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Natural “Yes” Items:
- Stick
- Stone
- Tree bark
- Bird feather
- Clam shell
- Deer antler
- Acorn/Walnut etc.
- Pine cone
- Animal skull/bone
- Snake skin
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| Midland Painted Turtle |
Complete these activities outdoors near a pond for an even better experience!
Additional Resources
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