Pond Ecosystems and Lifecycles for Younger Grades
Availability
Spring, Summer, Fall
Group Type
School, Homeschool, Community Group
Grade Levels
K, 1, 2
Subject
Science
Learning Areas & Themes
Wild Animals, Ecosystems, Life Cycles, Wetlands
Connections to MDE Academic Standards
K-ESS3-3, K-LS1-1, K-LS1.C, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3.A, 1-LS1.A, 1-LS1.B, 1-LS3-1, 1-LS3.B, 2-LS4-1, 2-LS4.D
Program Description:
Inside, through hands-on experience and models, students will discover the adaptations of animals and how those adaptations help them survive in their pond habitat. Through live animal demonstrations and models, students will look at the life cycles of animals that live in a pond ecosystem. Outside, the class will learn about animal structure and classification by using a dichotomous key to determine patterns in the macroinvertebrate populations that live in our ponds. Students will then use scientific tools to sample macroinvertebrates. The class will discuss how humans can impact these habitats and communicate solutions for the future of a pond ecosystem.


