Welcome to week 35 of our one year pond study. Here is our Pond this week: Yes, that is what appears to be a huge great digger right in the middle of our pond! Here it is from another angle: Do you remember the wooden fence they built last week, cordoning off part of the…
Category: Nature Study
One Year Pond Study: Week 34 – Autumn Tree Study
Here is our pond this week: This week we did a quick tree study on our chosen tree: the Ash. To call it a tree study is a stretch, but I took some photos for us to at least compare them to the other two seasons we've studied. Here is the Ash tree in Spring, where you…
One Year Pond Study Week 32: New Visitors of the Non-Feathered Kind
Our pond this week: Our pond posts have been conspicuous only by there absence recently for which there has been a reason. A couple of weeks ago we had a nasty (for Britain) storm and since then we have had new visitors at the pond: Although at first we thought it was to do with…
One Year Pond Study: Week 33 – A New Face
Here is our pond this week: We had an impromptu visit to the pond this week. Mum and I were driving home from our weekly shopping and we spotted a beautiful swan paddling about in the pond. She quickly drove us home where we picked up the children and cameras and whizzed back down. Swans are…
One Year Pond Study Week 30: Celebrations at the Pond
Here is our pond this week: Although we have crept into the autumn months, there remains a dusty summer murkiness to the pond. I think in order for the pond to return to its former glory we need rain and lots of it. However, when the first day of home school celebrations were discussed the pond was…
One Year Pond Study: Catching up Week 28
Our pond a couple of weeks ago: I know, I don't mean to confuse you all. We did a pond study, at the same time as treating everyone to hot chocolates for A5's birthday, just before we went away on holiday. I had planned to write this pond study up whilst I was at my…
One Year Pond Study Week 27: Mid-way Reflections
Here is our pond this week: This week we are just past the six month mark of a year long pond study, and I can't actually believe I made it this far. It seems incredible that for the past 26 or so weeks we have faithfully visited our little pond. I am proud of us…
One Year Pond Study Week 26: Our Summer Night Time Pond Visit
Here was our pond this week: Last time we did a night-time pond visit was over the Spring on the 26th May. We went between 8 -9 pm, and whilst it is obvious it was evening time it was still very light. This week we went, again between 8-9 pm (nearer to 9pm) and it was pitch…
A Mystery at the Pond {Homeschool Pond Study}
In a One year pond study, a family discovers a hidden Moorhen nest, sparking curiosity about wildlife patterns. They identify new chicks alongside earlier ones, realizing that returning weekly enhances their understanding of local nature. This experience highlights the importance of long-term observation in building connections with ecosystems.
Pond (One Small Square) Review
The post discusses the benefits of "Pond (One Small Square)" by Donald M. Silver, a vital resource for homeschooling families conducting a year-long pond study. Despite disruptions like illness, the book fosters engagement and understanding of pond ecosystems, blending scientific concepts with enjoyable observations, ultimately enhancing children's learning experiences.
Growing Moorhen Chicks {Homeschool Pond Study Week 20}
One of the greatest gifts of homeschool life is the ability to slow down and truly notice the natural world around us. This week, during week 20 of our year-long pond study, we were completely amazed by how quickly our growing moorhen chicks are developing. The transformation over just a few weeks has been nothing short of astounding and it’s…
The Ash Tree in the Summer {Pond Study – Week 18}
In week 18 of the one-year pond study, the focus is on the Ash tree's summer transformation. The children observe the shift from spring flowers to lush foliage, engaging in hands-on learning by examining leaves and practicing botanical vocabulary. They discuss the tree's seasonal changes and anticipate future observations in autumn.
Summer Pond Fauna {Homeschool Pond Study – Week 17}
In Week 17 of the year-long homeschool pond study, the children analyzed the summer pond fauna, comparing it to earlier spring findings. They documented changes in species and behaviors, including a drop in mallard numbers and the joyful sight of moorhen chicks. An unexpected terrapin sighting highlighted the dynamic ecosystem, prompting deeper reflections.