For grades: 1 | 2 | 3
Aquatic Adaptations
Aquatic Adaptations- 1, 2, 3
Location: Outdoor Discovery Campus
Description: What is an adaptation, and how are aquatic animals and plants adapted for life in the pond? These questions will be explored through a fun, interactive, and hands-on exploration of pond life! Your program begins with an educator-led discussion of the concept of adaptations and habitats. As students gain understanding, we’ll head to the wetlands to observe how the small creatures of the pond, the invertebrates, amphibians, and fish, are each adapted in fascinating ways. In teams of 3 or 4, students will investigate, observe, and identify creatures in samples of pond water. The program concludes with a group discussion and sharing of discoveries.
Learning Objectives: Students will learn concepts such as adaptation, camouflage, carnivores, herbivores, predator-prey relationships, food chains, and insect and amphibian life cycles. Students will comprehend aquatic adaptations through a hands-on activity where students can observe macro-invertebrates up close and try to identify them with field guides.
NYS Core Curriculum Standards:
1st- Structure, Function, and Information Processing: 1-LS1-2 & 1-LS3-1
2nd- Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: 2-LS2-2 & 2-LS4-1
3rd- Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems & Inheritance and Variation of Traits: Life Cycles and Traits: 3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, & 3-LS4-2
field trip only (no in-school option)
Program Length: 60 minutes
20 minute presentation
5 minute walk to our ponds
20 minute pond exploration/and study
10 minute conclusion
5 minute walk back
Picnic area available upon request
Program Cost:
$250 for up to 25 students
Staff is free
Location: Outdoor Discovery Campus
(120 Muser Dr. Cornwall NY, 12518)