for grades: 4 | 5
Pond Ecology
Pond Ecology- 4 & 5
Location: Outdoor Discovery Campus
Description: The pond is a complex interactive system of food chains, energy transfer, and cycles of nutrients that move through the living and non-living components of a dynamic ecosystem. This program begins with an interactive discussion of these basic concepts, including the water cycle, gas exchange, and the one-way pathway of energy. Then we will take a short hike to the wetlands to collect and identify organisms at the pond’s edge. Students will use the concepts of food webs and nutrient cycles to trace the connections among the diversity of life in the pond.
Learning Objectives: Students will learn what makes up a pond ecosystem, such as biotic and abiotic factors, food chains vs. food webs, energy pathways, gas exchanges, and photosynthesis. Students will do this through a hands-on experience and a hike to our wetlands.
NYS Core Curriculum Standards:
4th- Energy, Structure, Function, and Processing, & Earth’s Systems: Processes that Shape the Earth: 4-PS3-2, 4-PS3-4, 4-ESS3-1, 4-LS1-1, & 4-ESS3-2
5th- Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems: 5-PS3-1, 5-LS1-1, & 5-LS2-1
field trip only (no in-school option)
Program Cost:
$250 for up to 25 students & 5 parent chaperones.
Staff is free
Location: Outdoor Discovery Campus (120 Muser Dr. Cornwall NY, 12518)
Program Length: 60 minutes
15 minute presentation
5 minute walk to pond
25 minute pond exploration
10 minute conclusion
5 minute walk back
Grasshopper Grove add-on upon request ($)
Picnic area available upon request