for grades: 4 | 5
Pond Ecology
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. The 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.
Concepts presented in this program include:
Ecosystem
Biotic and Abiotic factors
Food chain vs. Food Web
Energy pathways
Gas exchange
Photosynthesis
field trip only (no in-school option)
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
Program Cost:
$200 for up to 25 students & 5 parent chaperones.
Staff is free
Grasshopper Grove add-on: $50
Location: Outdoor Discovery Center (120 Muser Dr. Cornwall NY, 12518)