Aims and objectives
This resource aims to introduce pupils to the concepts of variation
and classification and living things in their environments through
a context to which they can relate. The activities in the resource
demonstrate simple food chains and life cycles whilst the library
encourages children to conduct research and sorting activities.
Previous knowledge
Although no direct previous knowledge is necessary, it would be
advantageous if there is access to a local pond so that pupils
can experience pond life first hand and place their learning into
a real life context.
In the classroom
The aim of Hams Hall pond is to stimulate pupils interest in the
different kinds of plants and animals in a local environment. For
this reason, the Virtual Pond is a good place to start. As pupils
watch videos of the Virtual Pond, they can read interesting facts
about its inhabitants. They are encouraged to learn more by visiting
the Pond Library and in certain places, links take pupils to other
relevant web sites.
In the Pond Library, pupils can search for creatures by their
initial letter. More able pupils can discover which classification
group creatures belong to. They are also encouraged to discover
other pond creatures that have not been included in the pond library.
Hams Hall Pond has two activities which can be printed out for
display or assessment purposes. These are Food Chains and Life
Cycles. Food chains is a topic more relevant to KS2 pupils, but
KS1 pupils will certainly be able to understand and complete task
one of the activity. Here, the pupil is asked to watch a food chain
being created before completing a simple food chain of their own.
In the Life Cycles activity, pupils watch as the life cycles of
the frog and the butterfly appear on screen. Pupils are then asked
to put the stages of each life cycle into the correct order.
Because of the nature of the activity, not only does it provide
an engaging way of gaining pupils’ interest in natural habitats
and the environment but it is also an invaluable reference resource
in the classroom.
| Support materials description: |
Resource type: |
| The resource Pond_Life.pdf contains images of all the
common creatures likely to be found in a pond. This can be
printed out either for reference purposes or, if laminated,
creating a display. |
Pond_Life.pdf |
Curriculum references
Science – KS1
Sc2 1c; 4b; 5a-c
Science – KS2
Sc2 1c; 4a-c; 5a-e
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