Pond Life

This scene takes the form of a small pond which contains a finely balanced ecosystem. Although the garden pond might look simple or small, many areas of the pond can be buzzing with life. From flying insects to swimming newts, as well as some specialised plants, these small habitats are fascinating upon taking a closer look. Many animals seem shy, hiding in the darker edges of the water, so patience can be needed to spot them. As a habitat, a garden pond can provide everything that a plant or animal needs to survive.

# Learning objectives

1: To identify the different algae and plants that live in a pond habitat.{.info}

2: To describe the different animals that live in a pond habitat.{.info}

3: To understand the seasonal changes that can occur in a pond habitat.{.info}

# Algae and Plants{.objective .objective1}

In this section there are many different types of algae that exist in the water of ponds, with several types being single-celled organisms and plants including algae and waterlilies. In this activity students are asked to enter the scene to find examples of algae and plants in the pond habitat. Students should identify what creatures might feed on these producers? And how else might they be useful in this habitat?

# Pond Animals{.objective .objective2}

In this section some life in the pond is smaller, with rotifers and other microscopic life found in each drop of the pond water. Other living things are larger, such as fish, newts and frogs. In this activity students are asked to enter the scene to find examples of different animals living in the pond habitat. Students should be able to explain what animal they found and where.

# Seasonal Changes{.objective .objective3}

In this section students can observe the changes to the habitat that occur throughout: spring summer, autumn and winter. In this activity students are asked to enter the scene to find evidence of what time of year it is in the pond’s location now, and to imagine what changes they might see in the living things of this habitat at different times of the year.

# Teacher Resources

**Download Teacher Notes**

[](https://data.avncloud.com/activities/794121/files/Pond%20Life+Teacher+Notes+1.pdf?date=1677574687&size=1188237&md5=09892911857bb22c07e3da593db842a6)

**Student Quiz Answers Document**

[](https://data.avncloud.com/activities/794122/files/Pond%20Life+Teacher+Notes+2.pdf?date=1677574760&size=623727&md5=f50eb59f935ce688c52d2423c2a6be53)

**Download Student Quiz Document**

[](https://data.avncloud.com/activities/794123/files/Pond%20Life+Teacher+Notes+3.pdf?date=1677574976&size=95894&md5=84da9c8d96412f139ede6ea8be4b0773)