Backyard Pond Discovery

Part 1: The lesson starts with students exploring a pond ecosystem and recording their observations with a digital camera and their thoughts on paper. Students will observe and take pictures of any plants, bushes, and trees they choose. Next, they will continue to observe any animal life they see on land and in the water and record these findings on paper or with the camera. Students will then collect about 1 liter of water to use in further classroom experiments.
Part 2: The students will take samples of pond water put it under a microscope to discover and record what is living in a drop of water. The students will then research on the computer the name of each organism and unique features the organisms might have, and whether it is a plant or animal. Once the research is conducted students will they add three pollutants, soap, fertilizer, and oil to samples of pond water and record the results of the organisms. One students discover these pollutants cause damage to the ecosystems by destroying the organisms they will conduct internet research about the affect of pollution in water, causes of pollutions, and what people can do to help eliminate pollution.
Part 3: As a final project the students will take all the data and media that they have collected and create a Public Service Announcement educating people about pollution and how to clean up the Earth using Window Movie Maker or Frames. They will write a script using all the information they have collected with a partner and record their voices using expression to educating the public about the affect of pollution on water. The students need to present their final project to the class.