Discuss the ecosystem of ponds. Review different species and how they interact with each other, as well as how humans impact the ecosystem.
Instruct kids to decorate the exterior of a notebook or composition book and create an "Explorer's Journal." Use markers, construction paper, photographs and other embellishments to personalize journals.
Visit a local pond and instruct kids to take notes in their journals about what they see, including different plants, animals, insects and any interactions they witness. Encourage kids to draw pictures and be as descriptive as possible.
Fill two large containers with pond water. Use a screwdriver to punch air holes in the lid of one container. Leave the lid of the second container as it is.
Challenge kids to collect specimens of plants, insects, amphibians and fish that live in the pond. Collect specimens using fish nets or buckets. Place the specimens in the container with vented lid.
Instruct kids to test the water of the pond and the soil surrounding the pond for various pollutants using a water or soil testing kit and record findings in their journals.
Return to the classroom, or to your home, and place the collected specimens in an aquarium. Fill the aquarium with water from the pond and place it in a clearly visible location for further observation. Supply additional water from the pond and food for the specimens as needed.
Cover a wall of the classroom or a room in your home with paper. Inspire kids to create a mural of a pond ecosystem on the paper using crayons, markers, chalk, paint or other art supplies.
Require kids to participate in the ongoing upkeep of the pond aquarium and to record daily observations in their journals.