This document provides instructions and a template for students to record their observations during a pond study. Students are encouraged to bring useful tools like nets, buckets, and magnifying glasses to carefully examine the plants, signs of animals, and creatures found in and around the pond. The template guides students to note the date, location, weather, and describe or draw the trees, plants, and signs of life observed both in and near the water.

1. Ranger Rick’s Nature Notebook
Pond field guide
Net, scoop, buckets
Magnifying glass
Helpful Things to Take AlongKeep a Record!
Date Time
Location
Weather
What trees and plants are growing around or in the pond? Describe or draw them here.
What signs of animals do you observe around the pond? Listen for birds, insects, or frogs call-
ing. Look for tracks, scat, chewed leaves, and other signs. Explain what the signs tell you about
what lives here.
Now look in the water. Use a net or bucket and see what you
can catch. On the back of this page, describe or draw the
creatures you find.
POND STUDYA pond is a place that’s bursting with life. Imagine you are a scientist who has just discovered a new
pond, and you need to make a record of all the living things there. First, find a nearby pond. Then list your
observations below. Don’t worry if you don’t know a plant or animal’s name – you can make up one that
describes something special about it.
© 2013 National Wildlife Federation. Permission granted for
non-commercial educational uses only. All other rights reserved.