What’s in the Water in Your Habitat?
Although a small pond in your backyard may seem like a quiet puddle, it is a
very busy and active world for the creatures in it. A typical pond in
Saskatchewan may have garter snakes, worms, minnows, frogs, tadpoles, and
all kinds of insects such as water bugs, dragonfly nymphs, mosquito, and other
insect larvae – not to mention all of the native water plants such as Cattails,
Common Mare’s-Tail, and Small Yellow Pond-Lilies.
You Will Need:

A large tin can, like a coffee can

Heavy clear plastic wrap or large clear plastic bags

3 large heavy rubber bands

Scissors
1. Ask an adult to remove the bottom of the can for you and remove any
sharp edges. This can be done with a hammer or sticking electrical tape
on them.
2. Cut the plastic into pieces large enough to fit over one end of the can
with 2 inches (about half of your pointer finger) overlapping on the sides.
3. Secure with the 3 rubber bands.
4. Kneel on the edge of a pond or stream and put the covered end into the
water.
5. Look through the open end.
What Happens:
Can you see beneath the surface of the water?
What can you find?
Why:
Without a scope, it’s hard to see into the water because of the reflections,
ripples, and the film that settles on the surface. The scope lets you get through
the surface.
This activity was adapted from,Susan Lang. Nature in Your Backyard: Simple Activities for Children.
Millbrook Press, Brookfield, CT, 1995. Pages 44-45.