Descriptions of teaching Resources from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
by Andrew Murgatroyd
1. Aquatic Science
For Students in Grades 7 through 8.
A 45-minute program designed to help students learn about the diverse life found in local ponds. This program involves the students working cooperatively in discovery groups and allows them to investigate living organisms at their desks as a scientific team.
2. Aluminum Can Challenge: This series of questions uses unit conversions to help students understand the benefits of recycling.
3. New York State Endangered and Threatened Species: A list of endangered and threatened species in the area with a few definitions included.
4. Plankton in the Air: A game illustrating filter-feeding animals and describing plankton
5. Pond Creature Worksheet: A very simple set of questions for students examining life at a local pond.
6. Pond Ecology
For Students in Grades 4 through 6
A 60-minute program designed to help students learn about the diverse life found in local ponds. This program involves the students working cooperatively in discovery groups, and allows them to investigate living organisms at their desks as a scientific team.
7. 3 worksheets that can be used to identify pond invertebrates. Best used for higher grade levels.
Key to Common Macroinvertebrates : A thorough dichotomous key
Macroinvertebrate Identification Page: Images for identification
Glossary : Definitions of terms used in the dichotomous key
8. Pond Life Wordsearch: Give those hard working students a break! A good time filler for students who finish the project before others.
9. Pond Match: Definitions and fill in the blanks worksheet for pond vocabulary. Grade 7-12
10, Pond Word Search 2
11. Pond Crossword Puzzle Grade 4-7
12. Wildlife Conservation III
For Students in Grades 6 through 12
A 45- minute discussion introducing the most common reasons that wildlife diversity is being reduced worldwide. Students will be encouraged to consider ways that they can actively protect and preserve wildlife at home, in their community, and worldwide.
Activities:
o Classroom Carrying Capacity
o Maximum Sustainable Harvest
o Bioaccumulation of Chemicals in the Environment
13. Wildlife Forensics
For Students in Grades 6 through 10
A 45-minute program designed to help students analyze anatomical differences in the skulls of mammals to determine characteristics and behaviors they had in life. If desired, you can include an examination of mammal pelts. This would extend the length of the program to 60 minutes. Skulls and animal furs can be purchased from education supply companies.
Activities:
o Mammal Discussion
o Skull Examination
o Fur demonstration
14. Pond World: A great resource to use if you plan on taking your class down to the pond.
15. WORLD OF THE POND DATA SHEET: record data about animals observed and tie it to pollution.
16. Macroinvertebrate Report : Questions related to identifying macroinvertebrates.
by Andrew Murgatroyd
1. Aquatic Science
For Students in Grades 7 through 8.
A 45-minute program designed to help students learn about the diverse life found in local ponds. This program involves the students working cooperatively in discovery groups and allows them to investigate living organisms at their desks as a scientific team.
2. Aluminum Can Challenge: This series of questions uses unit conversions to help students understand the benefits of recycling.
3. New York State Endangered and Threatened Species: A list of endangered and threatened species in the area with a few definitions included.
4. Plankton in the Air: A game illustrating filter-feeding animals and describing plankton
5. Pond Creature Worksheet: A very simple set of questions for students examining life at a local pond.
6. Pond Ecology
For Students in Grades 4 through 6
A 60-minute program designed to help students learn about the diverse life found in local ponds. This program involves the students working cooperatively in discovery groups, and allows them to investigate living organisms at their desks as a scientific team.
7. 3 worksheets that can be used to identify pond invertebrates. Best used for higher grade levels.
Key to Common Macroinvertebrates : A thorough dichotomous key
Macroinvertebrate Identification Page: Images for identification
Glossary : Definitions of terms used in the dichotomous key
8. Pond Life Wordsearch: Give those hard working students a break! A good time filler for students who finish the project before others.
9. Pond Match: Definitions and fill in the blanks worksheet for pond vocabulary. Grade 7-12
10, Pond Word Search 2
11. Pond Crossword Puzzle Grade 4-7
12. Wildlife Conservation III
For Students in Grades 6 through 12
A 45- minute discussion introducing the most common reasons that wildlife diversity is being reduced worldwide. Students will be encouraged to consider ways that they can actively protect and preserve wildlife at home, in their community, and worldwide.
Activities:
o Classroom Carrying Capacity
o Maximum Sustainable Harvest
o Bioaccumulation of Chemicals in the Environment
13. Wildlife Forensics
For Students in Grades 6 through 10
A 45-minute program designed to help students analyze anatomical differences in the skulls of mammals to determine characteristics and behaviors they had in life. If desired, you can include an examination of mammal pelts. This would extend the length of the program to 60 minutes. Skulls and animal furs can be purchased from education supply companies.
Activities:
o Mammal Discussion
o Skull Examination
o Fur demonstration
14. Pond World: A great resource to use if you plan on taking your class down to the pond.
15. WORLD OF THE POND DATA SHEET: record data about animals observed and tie it to pollution.
16. Macroinvertebrate Report : Questions related to identifying macroinvertebrates.