During our bug unit, we had the opportunity to participate in two special bug related presentations. The first was from the Strathcona Wilderness Centre, and involved a more in depth study into the bugs that are found in the pond. With the exception of dragonflies, we had not really touched upon this in the classroom, so the students were fascinated to learn more over the morning.

    The presentation began with a discussion of some of the different bugs that could be found in a pond. The students used this information to create a model pond, and practiced putting the bugs where they would best be found (near the bottom, near the top, swimming in the middle, etc...)

    The students next had the opportunity to look at some specimens of the different pond life in vials. They rotated around these specimens until they had seen each one.

    The next step was a game that we played outside. The students were either plant eaters, bug eaters, or both, and had to find food cards that showed pictures of what they would eat.

    Finally, the grand finale, was the step the students most enjoyed. The presentation ended with 5 different "ponds" set up with water from the lake at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre. The students had the chance to rotate through all the ponds and see the insects alive and moving in a more natural habitat.