Nature Study – Pond Resources
Posted by Cindy on November 1, 2009
What a wonderful month studying ponds! Here are the resources that have been in the sidebar. November = rocks!
Pond Comparisons and Call for CM Carnival
Posted by Cindy on October 26, 2009
Last week’s nature study compared a new pond structure to the older ponds we have been studying.
The kiddos observed the differences in plant life, animal life, general activity and sounds.
We also compared how the new pond was man-made, while the others we have observed were natural depressions in the land. You can see the bank created to hold in water in the picture below.
One of the old ponds we studied was fed by a constant stream and another by a spring from underground. This one, however, is fed only by water run-off after rain. You can see the sloping land above the pond in the picture below. The space for this pond was chosen specifically for all the run-off potential.
Besides many of the more obvious differences in fewer plants and animals, there was far more erosion taking place on this new pond that isn’t protected by plant growth yet. We talked about how this pond is being used frequently by cattle, which means plants will have a difficult time settling near the bank. This led to some super discussions of water conservation from the perspective of a farmer.
With very little to get in the way, this is a GREAT pond for skipping rocks! And my kiddos spent lots of time practicing their skills!
Speaking of nature study (or art, poetry, narration, handicrafts, character training, mother culture, short lessons, living literature, composers, etc.) I need submissions for next week’s Charlotte Mason Carnival!! There have been MANY submissions already, but unfortunately, only TWO that aren’t “junk submissions”. So get your creative fingers typing and pass along your posts to the carnival by visiting the SUBMISSION PAGE. Pretty please!
Pond Plants
Posted by Cindy on October 14, 2009
Our nature topic of the month is ponds. We’ve been having so much fun studying plant life, water birds, erosion, pond sources, pond health and so much more! Our most recent trip to a pond focused on pond plants. Below are some pictures of the wonderful finds – even in October!
Algae
Duckweed
Rush
We think the foremost plant might be water buttercup.
Pondweed
Possibly hornwort
Measuring the perimeter of the pond
This particular pond is stream-fed and a stream leads away from it, too. We followed the stream and the kids decided to build a bridge across with some downed limbs.
Just a little quiet time. Oh, how I wish there were more! 
An underwater root
Ideas for learning about pond plants can be found in the NaturExplorers unit Peaceful Ponds. This unit is currently being revamped, which means the price will go up soon!
Nature Study at the Creation Museum
Posted by Cindy on September 28, 2009
When you think of the Creation Museum, the first thoughts that pop into your head are probably things like Bible truths, dinosaurs, Noah and the flood, the need for Jesus and so on. We took a tad different approach to the normal routine of simply touring the museum this time around. Even though it rained the entire day, we spent time enjoying the beautiful and wonderfully varied nature trails.
Even though we probably would’ve had a lot more time to observe and look closely at plants and such on a pretty day, the rainy walk was a great way to see things we might not normally see. God’s creation is beautiful in any weather!
Water was dripping from everything, including us!
They have several water areas like waterfalls…
marshland….
And ponds
Plant life is just as varied from native to tropical.
Five different bridges make for a fun walk. My children’s favorite is the swinging bridge seen here.
Water, water everywhere!
Even clinging to the spider webs!
Trying to stay dry… Caleb found the leaf a bit too late. If you can’t tell, he’s soaked through and through.
And my personal favorite find of the day - itty bitty, teany-weany, less than 1/4″ each Bird’s Nest Fungi! It’s hard to tell, but each little cup has little egg-shaped pieces that are actually the mushroom’s spores and are ejected into the air by the rain!! How cool is that?? Now, see what we would’ve missed on a pretty day?
Water Already?
Posted by Cindy on April 24, 2008
So I’m sick with strep. (Feeling much better today. Thank the Lord for strong antibiotics!) My sweet older children offered to take little one out while I napped yesterday. Here’s what they did.
Yes, it was only April 23rd. I suppose they cared more that the thermometer said 80. I’m just thankful I had the chance to nap!
