Vernal Pond 1 The Pond People: Lauren Bergh Michelle Hofmann Kristen Swanberg Rosalie Faubon Amanda Hartman Vernal Pools: Not Just a Mud Puddle!
Dec 16, 2015
Vernal Pond 1
The Pond People:Lauren Bergh
Michelle HofmannKristen SwanbergRosalie Faubon
Amanda Hartman
Vernal Pools:
Not Just a Mud Puddle!
Participants will learn that the life cycles of a vernal pool includes the pool itself and the unique animals
and plants that exist there.
Performance Objectives
• Participants will:– Be able to define a vernal pool and state its
importance– Name two animals who depend on vernal
pools– Describe the life cycle of one obligate
(dependent) animal
Program Design
Science Content:-Life cycles
Site-Specific Content:-Vernal pools
-Vernal pool shrimp-Vernal pool amphibian
Science Tools:-Field guide (audio/visual)-Maps - Models-Magnification - Dip nets-Live Animals - Cameras-Thermometer
Documentation:-Life cycle diagrams
-Field journal-ejournal (optional)
Standard Lesson Plan
• Assumptions:– High school education
• Accommodations / Modifications:– Age-related limitations (a)– Blind/low vision (b)– Cognitive (c)
Universal Instructional Design
• Power point presentation– High-contrast– White space– Six-by-six – Line-by-line (fly in)
• Assisted listening devices• Name badges• Clip boards with pencils attached• Room safety
Lesson Introduction
• Introduction (power point)– Program logistics (a, b, c)
• Program Schedule• Room safety
Lesson Plan (1)
• What is a vernal pool? – Definition: words and pictures (a, b, c)
• Unique, rare, lacks inlet/outlet • Cycles of a vernal pool (seasonal photos)
– Activity: Tactile maps (a, b, c)– Holding water: words/pictures (a, b, c)– Activity: Sediment investigation (a, b, c)
Lesson Plan (2)
• Vernal Pool Animal: Frog– Identification: words and pictures ( a, b, c)– Activity: adult frog model (a, b, c)– Life cycle: words and pictures– Activity: life cycle models (a, b, c)
• 5 phases in tactile models
– Activity: life cycle handout• Photo/label stickers
Lesson Plan (3)
• Vernal Pool Animal: Fairy Shrimp– Identification: words and pictures (a, b, c)– Activity: adult shrimp model (a, b, c)– Life cycle: words and pictures– Activity: life cycle models (a, b, c)
• 3 phases in tactile models
– Activity: life cycle handout• Photo/label stickers
Lesson Plan: Field Experience
• Visit a vernal pool!• Water safety• Field guide: poster/communication board and audio
– Field journal (a, b, c)• Pictures/labels on clip board• Date/season, time of day, weather, temp. (air/water)
– Activity: Dip net (a, b, c)• Examine catch with field magnification tool• Check-list in Field Journal
– Activity: Photograph Vernal Pool• Photo of pool, dip net, frog
Lesson Plan: Inclement Weather
• Activity: Animals in classroom aquariums– Lab (Field) journal (a, b, c)
• Pictures/labels on clip board• Date/season, time of day, weather, temp.
(air/water)
– Activity: Photograph Vernal Pool Animals• Ken-A-Vision scope• Photo of frog, shrimp (or equivalent)
– Activity: Touch animals
Wrap-Up
• “Not just a mud puddle!”– Review objectives:
• Be able to define a vernal pool and state its importance
• Name two animals who depend on vernal pools• Describe the life cycle of one obligate (dependent)
animal
Accommodations/Modifications
• Cognitive– Printed slides– Modified field guide – Models instead of live animals– One life cycle– “stand here” footprints
Accommodations/Modifications
• Blind/Low Vision– Audio calls (for frog ID)– Foam tactile map– Magnification devices – “Talking” tools– Sediment activity– Models– Large print (power point and field
guide/journal)
Accommodations/Modifications
• Age Related Limitations– Assistive listening devices– Modified dip net– Combination of any of those previously
mentioned as needed
If we did more…
• Enhanced program– Citizen science
• Seasonal program /semi-annual
– Ecosystem approach• GPS mapping of vernal pool• Create a new vernal pool• Examine more species of animals, include plants
FUNdamental
• Life Cycle of a Frog– Focus on life cycle– Tactile, oversized models of each life cycle
stage– Live tadpoles/frogs in lab – Activity: Participants fill in the
life cycle using stickers and/or
stamps