Let me start by saying there is no such thing as running out to the pond quick. Instead, I was there for a little over an hour and got muddier than a dog in the rain. Okay, maybe not that muddy, but I was expecting to stay clean (don't ask me why...).
I ran out to the pond in the first place because I needed aquatic insects for a classroom visit in Asher tomorrow. Most of what's out there was water beetles and snails, but I did get a few crayfish too. The lake level is pretty darn low, which made it a little difficult not to get wet and muddy.
I love going to the pond over different seasons. There is definitely a fall-feeling to the vegetation that's up - purple thistles and hardy plants staking their claim over the fragile flowers from the spring.
Seeing the pond in its context made me think a lot about habitat, though nothing specific. That's what I'm talking about tomorrow - aquatic habitats, both freshwater and marine. I'm thinking of going the feeding route: i.e., shredders, grazers, filterers, and predators. We'll be able to talk about examples of those in both marine and freshwater systems. I think it will go well. I do need to get all of my "stuff" together tonight (besides the live guys, which I sacrificed my new sneakers to get - stupid, stupid aquatic ecologist!).
Ha ha! Been there, done that (the shoe thing). And I agree - there's never a quick trip to the pond. :)
ReplyDeleteLol. It was totally worth it though - the kids had a really great time. I'll have to post an update on what I ended up doing with them.
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