Pond Dipping: A recount of a boy and his mother esploring their local pond (Collins Big Cat Phonics)

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From their observations, ask the children to act out the way the pond creature’s move. Many pond creatures have distinct ways of moving e.g. leech – extends and contracts, water boatman – swims using led paddles, worms – wiggle. This could be carried out in a P.E. or swimming lesson. National projects If you are taking children pond dipping then make sure that they are always kneeling or lying flat on their stomachs when reaching into the water with a net.

Gills, streamlining, hairy leg paddles, webbed feet, air bubbles/sacs, siphons that work like snorkels and use of surface tension are all examples of adaptations to life on or in water. Teacher DemonstrationA tray or tub to put creatures in and observe the creatures you find. (Preferably a white one to make your creatures easier to observe.) Important! Be sure not to cross private property when pond dipping and to be respectful of sensitive nature areas when pond dipping. Step 3: Fill a tray with pond water. Pond dipping is free and is available April to September during weekends and school holidays, 1.30pm-3pm. White tray– Rummage through your recycling bin for an old ice cream tub or place a sheet of white paper in the bottom of a baking tin. Our heavy-duty sampling trays come in three sizes and are sturdy enough to be carried full of water. These strong white trays are ideal for pond dipping as they are robust and stable enough to be carried when full of water. Available in three sizes.

Wear waterproof gloves and try to avoid touching any of the creatures with your hands. Use plastic spoons to transfer creatures and avoid any tool that would harm them. Pond dipping equipment can be borrowed from the park. Equipment sets include nets, trays, sampling pots and water creatures ID sheets – all you need to explore the amazing pond life. Preparing for pond dipping You could take part in the OPAL Water Survey, the ‘Big Spawn Count’ or the ‘Big Pond Dip’ Recording Sheets If you’re not in a public park or green area then please make sure you’ve got permission from the owner of your chosen pond. What you will need:The small pond in Dunorlan Park, situated near the playground, is available to groups for educational pond dipping activities. Book pond dipping The best time of the year to go pond dipping with your child is from May to August. That’s when ponds are at their peak activity. Of course, there is no bad time to go pond dipping. There is still plenty to see in the early spring and fall too. My suggestion is to go pond dipping a few times from early spring to early fall and see how ponds change from week-to-week and month-to-month. Step 1: Gather your gear.

We would like to reassure you that our books are created with the utmost thought and consideration. Our stories have been delighting children, parents, and teachers for over 30 years, and have taught millions of children to read here and around the world. We take the utmost care to ensure that our content is age appropriate and would not cause harm or offence to any child who reads our books,” said the publisher. Head outside to your pond. Place your tray near the pond and then head to the pond’s edge. Make sure you have sturdy footing when standing by the water’s edge and only pond dip in places where you can easily reach the shallows without placing yourself at danger of falling in.You’re ready to start dipping! It’s time to move your net through open water with the whole of the net bag under the surface. Swirl your net through the water and try to make a figure of eight as you do it. Different creatures prefer different depths of the pond so make sure you sweep from the surface to towards the bottom.