Explore the Pond - Grades 3-5

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Students will get to know a wetland habitat in this hands-on, high-interest program. Using nets and bug boxes, students will conduct an in-depth survey of the pond with a focus on populations and species identification. While classifying the animals that live in the pond students will investigate the adaptations needed for survival in this watery habitat.

Third graders will focus on the unique and diverse life cycles of the pond creatures they identify.

Fourth graders will focus on the internal and external structures that allow animals and plants to survive in the wetland habitat.

Fifth graders will focus on the movement of matter among producers, consumers, and decomposers in a wetland habitat.

Additional foci, such as comparing species composition in different wetland habitats or determining water quality based on species composition, are available upon request.

Program may be done at your site if there is an accessible pond.

*This program can be taught outside in your schoolyard following all COVID-safe guidelines. Or, invite one of our experienced teacher naturalists into your online class.

Program Location(s):

Wachusett Meadow, Princeton
Your school or other location

Grades:

3, 4, 5

Price:

  • At Sanctuary(Guided Hike)$4/student/guided hour;
    At School (Classroom Program or Hike)$4.50/student/guided hour;
    Minimum 12 students for pricing purposes;
    Auditorium Program At School $125/hour; $95/hour for additional programs same day

Curriculum Frameworks:

3-LS1-1 - From Molecules to Organisms--Structures and Processes - life cycles
4-LS1-1 - From Molecules to Organisms--Structures and Processes - animal/plant, internal/external structures
5-LS2-1 - Ecosystems--Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics - movement of matter through food web

Want to know more about this program? Send us an email and we'll get right back to you.