This week’s pond visit was unexpectedly rewarding, featuring a delightful encounter with moorhen chicks. Observing their behaviors, including foraging and protection, provided valuable insights into moorhen parenting. Despite initial plans for another study, nature revealed captivating lessons, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in research and the joy of unplanned discoveries.
Category: Homeschool Nature Study – One Year Pond Study
Pond Comparison Nature Study {Week 15}
This week’s ponding centred on a pond comparison nature study—a simple but wonderfully rich activity where we explored two very different ponds within walking distance of our home. Although the ponds sit close together, each offered a unique glimpse into the diversity of small freshwater habitats. What follows is a look at what we observed,……
The Mallard Duck: A Homeschool Nature Study Favorite {Week 14 of One Year Pond vStudy}
If your homeschool family spends time near ponds, lakes, or even large puddles after a rainy week, chances are you’ve already met one of the UK’s most recognizable birds: the mallard duck. With their bold colours, friendly waddles, and surprisingly interesting behaviours, mallards make a perfect (and free!) nature study topic for learners of all ages.……
The Rhythm of the Pond {Pond Study – Week 13}
As we reach the middle stretch of our year-long pond study, I’ve noticed a quiet shift taking place — not so much in the pond itself, but in us. The children have grown more at ease here. They no longer rush to spot something new or tick off a species list; instead, they seem to settle……
Night-time Pond Visit {Pond Study: Week 12}
This week, we experienced a magical spring night visit to the pond, revealing serene reflections and nocturnal aquatic life. Many creatures were active, while fish rested. The peaceful atmosphere, enhanced by a pair of honking geese, highlighted the unique charm of nighttime at the pond, encouraging further explorations and studies.
Bark Rubbing and Leaf Hammering {Pond Study Week 11}
This week at the pond, moorhens were observed nesting and a new grey heron visitor appeared. Activities included bark rubbing and leaf hammering, engaging children with tree studies while creating unique prints. The post highlights the significance of pond wildlife and introduces creative nature-based projects linked to local biodiversity.
Pond Birds in the UK {Pond Study}
The post highlights the vibrant pond ecosystem and various bird species in the UK, including mallards, moorhens, coots, and grey herons. It emphasizes their behaviors and unique characteristics. The content invites readers to explore a year-long study on pond birds and emphasizes the beauty and connection developed through observing these creatures in nature.
Ash Trees and Lichen {Pond Study: Week 9}
This post discusses the significance of UK ash trees and the lichens they support, emphasizing their role in biodiversity. It highlights the threat of ash dieback, caused by a fungal disease, endangering both ash trees and over 500 lichen species associated with them. Conservation efforts are underway to preserve these valuable ecosystems.
Animals and Insects at the Pond {Pond Study Week 8}
In week eight of our one year pond study we focused on the animals and insects to be found there: Our pond Read More! Introduction to our one year pond study This week we were going to revisit our tree study. I had lots of ideas and activities planned, but as we are finding out nature……
Spring Pond Water Study {Pond Study: Week 7}
In week seven of our one year pond study we will be doing a spring pond water study. The pond seemed so quiet this week, there weren’t many photos to be had. Nesting perhaps? There was the odd duck having a sleep, our beautiful Mandarin duck and some lovely reflections: In week 5 we rescued……
Pond Ecosystem {Pond Study: Week 6}
Welcome to week 6 of our one year pond study when we will be studying the pond ecosystem. But first, I think this has to be one of my most favourite photos I’ve ever taken. Isn’t he a beauty? Read More! If you’d like to read a bit more about how we came to the……
Pond Study: Helping an Injured Duck {Week 5}
Our goal this week was to concentrate on pond ecosystems. At least that is what I had planned. All the great plans of mice and men…. What we actually ending up doing was helping an injured duck get some help from the RSPCA. It was dark, cold and windy this week at our pond. But……
Pond Study: Spring Fauna at the Pond {Week 4}
This post journals the fourth week of our one year pond study in which we focus on counting the spring fauna at the pond. Here is our gorgeous pond this week: Today was freezing. So cold. Too cold for being outside too much! Catch Up! If you’ve missed any of my pond posts, you can……
Pond Study: Ash Tree Study {Week 3}
This post journals the third week of our one year pond study in which we begin our study on the Ash tree. We will be keeping an eye on this tree for the whole 12 months, so do check back. It was wet and overcast this week at the pond Catch Up! If you’ve missed……
Pond Study: Pond Pollution {Week 2}
This post journals the second week of our one year pond study in which we focus on learning about pond pollution. For week 1 see here. We decided to concentrate on pond pollution with a goal to see if it changes over the year. This Week’s Pond Here was the pond that greeted us last……