How to study a pond habitat
Equipment you will need
Net: For catching small fish and tadpoles
Pooter: A device for sucking up small organisms from leaves or under stones where it is dry near the edge of the pond.
Meter Rule or tape measure : for measuring the size of the pond or the depth of the water
Notebook and pencil: to draw diagrams and write down what you see
Hand lens: To make more detailed observations
Extra apparatus for making more detailed measurements
Thermometer: It may be useful to record the temperature of different parts of the water
Light meter: To measure the light intensity
Digital camera: Photographs can often tell you more things than a written description
How to keep safe
- Keep away from the edge of the pond except where yoy are told it is safe.
- Do not lean out over the water
- Do not run or push anybody
- Wash your hands as soon as you return.
What you do
Make a labelled sketch of the pond
Make a list of any animals of animals and plants you recognise
Remember it is important to write down where you see them as will as their name.
Record any interesting observations
Take some photographs of the area
What you can measure
The size of the pond (using the metre rule or tape measure)
The depth of the water in different places (You may need an adult to help with this)
The temperature of the water (using the thermometer)
The amount of light (using the light meter)