Pond Dipping

INFORMATION

Pond dipping is a fun and simple way for students to explore an aquatic habitat. Students will be able to observe a wide range of different creatures from dragonfly nymphs to frogs. This is a great way to support learning outside the classroom providing a hands on experience to support science contextualised learning.

Maximum group size: 30
Minimum age: 6

Core Values

Resilience

Working in a new environment, Finding things that are new to you.

Team Work

Looking after each other, Recording information for your team, Collaborative learning opportunities.

Independence

Keeping Safe, Expanding your knowledge.

National Curriculum Links:

Science

Working Scientifically – use scientific diagrams and labels, classification keys and tables. Describe the differences in the life cycle. Describe how living things are classified into broad groups according to observable characteristics and based on similarities and differences. Give reasons for classifying plants and animals based on specific characteristics.

Geographical Skills and Fieldwork including aspects of:

Use of maps to describe features of the local area. Use the eight points of a compass.
Use observational skills to study a local environment. Use fieldwork to observe, measure and present the features in a local area.

We help children to:

  • Learn from mistakes, bounce back and try again
  • Try new things with a ‘can do’ attitude
  • Believe that the harder they work, the better they will get at the things that they do
  • Never give up!
  • Love learning!
  • Concentrate
  • Keep on trying when challenges occur
  • Think their way through problems
  • Ask questions and think about our world
  • Make links and notice patterns in their experiences

Vocabulary:

Environment, plants, insects, lifecycles, invertebrates, exploring, recording, habitat, biology, classification.

Activity Passport Links:

You can complete 6 achievements with this activity.

Pond dipping

Go bird watching

Discover what's in a pond

Go on a hunt for some insects or small creatures

Walk along a pond/river/canal

Use an OS map

National Trust Links:

Catch an animal in a net

Check out animals in a stream

Discover what is in a pond

Make a home for an animal

Making friends with a bug