Lesson Plan Title : A Pond in Spring

Age Range: Grade 6 through grade 8 (Middle School)

Overview and Purpose: A field trip is always a fun experience and on this trip students explore the ecosystem of a pond. They diagram what it looks like, take measurements and samples, and use the information to create plans for their own pond.

Objective: The student will be able to draw and label the different areas, animals, and organisms found in a pond.


Pictures or video of a pond

Field trip to a pond-if available

Drawing paper





If possible, take your students on a field trip to a local pond. Have them observe the different plants, animals, and other organisms. Have them take samples of the water and mud that they can examine later in the classroom. If possible, have them take some different temperature readings around the pond. Have the students diagram the pond including the various plants, animals, and other organisms.

When you get back to class, give them time to transfer their diagram to a larger mural. Discuss how all the different aspects of the pond work together to create one ecosystem.

If it is not possible to take a field trip, have the students complete the assignment by looking at pictures and watching a video.

For homework, have students create a plan for their own pond. They should list the dimensions of it and what will be in it. Have the students share their creations the next day in class.

Wrap Up:

Depending on your school's regulations, consider creating a classroom pond either outside or in the classroom. The pond could be large or as small as an aquarium.