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!

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!

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?

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!