1.41 Freshwater Ponds
This is a small-group lesson (Lesson 1.41) from the Grow Your PALS Program Guide, part of the National FFA Mentoring Program’s Environmental Science unit. Students learn about freshwater pond habitats, identify the pond food chain and six types of pond life, and build an edible candy-and-Jell-O pond habitat as a hands-on activity.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
-
- Identify pond habitat.
- Identify food chain and identify six types of life in a pond.
- Make an edible pond habitat.
- Time required
- 45-60 minutes
- Materials
-
- Clear plastic cup – one per student
- Spoons – one per student
- Skittles for gravel – one per group of four
- Blue Jell-O for water; make ahead of time in a large bowl and scoop out into clear cups – one scoop per student
- Swedish fish – two per student
- Green coconut for plant life, sprinkle on top of pond sparingly
- Black licorice dots for insects – two per student
- Gummy frogs (may need to order online) – one per student
- Gummy worms – one per student
- Duck Sweet Tarts (may be only an item you can find seasonally) – one per student
- Baggies for candy – one per student
- Velcro for each picture of food chain – included in lesson, assemble prior to lesson
- Poster board for Food Chain Activity – template included in lesson, make prior to lesson
- Pencils or writing utensils – one per student
- PALS1.41.SG.AS.A – one cut up into seven pieces
- PALS1.41.SG.AS.B – one per student
- PALS1.41.SG.ASSESS.A – one per student
- Unit
- Environmental Science
- Lesson Type
- Small Group
- Precepts
- B. Relationships; B2. Interact and work with others
- Key Terms
- Habitat, Food Chain
- Resources
- National FFA Organization. (2003). LifeKnowledge Precepts and Signs of Success. http://www.ehow.com/how_5511573_make-edible-aquarium-science-class.html; http://www.bulkfoods.com/gummy.asp; http://www.sugarcraft.com/catalog/candymolds/M-animals/M-animals.htm; http://www.enchantedlearning.com/pgifs/Pondanimals.GIF
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
National Standards
- CS.08.02.01.aUse the appropriate procedures for the use and operation of specific tools and equipment.
- NL-ENG.K-12.12Applying Language Skills
- NRS.01.02.03.bIdentify wildlife species.
- NRS.02.04.03.aIdentify characteristics of a healthy wildlife habitat.
- NS.K-4.3Life Science