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A child is crouched down on some decking looking into a plastic tray that contains some water, small pond creatures and debris. They are holding a plastic spoon in the water and are surrounded by identification guides.

Pond Dipping and Adaptations

Take a close look at the wildlife that lives in our waterbodies and find out about how animals have adapted to this environment. 

A pond in a parkland. There are yellow daffodils growing on one bank, trees and shrubs on the other, and a grassy hill and path in the background.

Summary

Explore the creatures that live below the surface of our waterbodies, and learn how they have adapted to this habitat!

Learn the skill of pond dipping and discover different creatures that live below the surface of the water. We will also investigate an "adaptation trail" learning about the survival features of different animals. We will use our favourite adaptations to build our very own imaginary "super beast"!

Please note: This session is only available March to October and in parks with safely accessible ponds. We may not be able to cater this session to your local park.

This session involves working close to the water’s edge and walking around a trail. We can adapt the length of the trail and give extra help with pond dipping for groups with mobility issues.

Under water image of a great diving beetle. The beetle is reddish brown in colour with a lighter, almost yellow outline. It has small hairs on its legs and there are green pond plants in the background.

National Curriculum Links

  • Identify and name a variety of common animals including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
  • Identify that most living things live in habitats to which they are suited and describe how different habitats provide for the basic needs of different kinds of animals.
  • Identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution.
  • Analyse the advantages and disadvantages of specific adaptations, such as being on two feet rather than four, having a long or a short beak, having gills or lungs.
More information about this session
Session Plan

Pond Dipping Session Plan

Terms & Conditions

Booking Terms and Conditions

Outdoor learning team in purple Parks Trust uniform stood in park
Contact Us

If you would like further details, please contact our friendly Outdoor Learning team to discuss your requirements.

Phone: 01908233600
Email: outdoorlearning@theparkstrust.com

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