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