Austin Nature & Science Center Field Experience
Pond Ecology: Pond "If" Game
Source: Teacher/Site Developed Activity
Time: 1 hour
After exploring an on-site pond, students brainstorm and discuss answers to a series of hypothetical questions on pond ecosystems to encourage critical thinking and problem solving. Questions can range from the specific to the general. Each question begins with the phrase, “What would happen if”.
The
site program “Pond Study” in the 
ANSC
Teacher Resource Guide is geared for grades 3 – 6, but can be adapted. Make sure you contact the ANSC staff
at 512-327-8181 about customizing this program. In order to take it to a higher
level, we suggest you focus on the described “If” Game and make
sure students take detailed notes so that they are prepared to write an essay
back in class based focusing on cause and effect in a pond ecosystem.
Some Suggested Questions
What would happen if…..
- The water level drops 2 feet? 8 feet?
- Nitrates washed into a pond?
- All of the turtles died?
- Hydrilla started to grow in the pond?
- Fresh water stops flowing into the pond?
- A parking lot was built above the creek?
TEKS: 8.6, 8.11
TAKS Objectives: 2
Pre-Visit Suggestion
Limiting
Factors Game
Explore the effect of some limiting factors in an environment.
Oh, Deer! Population Study Game
Students will understand and graph population change over time according
to habitat availability.
Post-Visit Suggestions
Pond "If" Game Essay and Research
Use the information students present to begin discussions on the “What
If…” questions.
Don't
Leap to Conclusions
Students explore the role of environmental conditions.
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