Nature Quest

NATURE QUEST ACTIVITY

Make a Mini Pond

This activity is about providing a home for frogs, toads and dragonflies… the list goes on! Birds and mammals also use ponds as places to drink and sometimes bathe.

Once your pond has established itself and some residents have moved in, it’s a great place to explore the world of pond dipping.

• A large water tight container, like an old sink or big washing up bowl, or even a purpose built rigid liner.
• Indigenous pond plants, for small ponds – it’s important you pick these species as many others will grow and take over the pond.

The base of the pond should have a bit of sand or gravel.

See steps on this page https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/makeahomeforwildlife/givenatureahomeinyourgarden/gardenactivities/createaminipond/

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Life Cycles

The children disperse over a wide flat area. Each child starts off as an egg and does their best egg impression. Eggs then move around (pushed by the water currents) and when they meet another egg they can challenge each other. The challenge is one decided by a game of rock, paper, scissors (or the toss of a coin). The winner becomes a tadpole. When another challenge is attempted and won they become a froglet and then finally a frog with appropriate noises and actions.

Monitor your pond regularly to find out what forms of biodiversity are using your pond.

Don’t forget to email or send us photos/drawings/writing to chirimutaronald@gmail.com or birds@zol.co.zw to demonstrate you’ve completed this activity.