Did you ever wonder whats going on below the surface of a pond or lake?

Here is an easy way to find out:

Materials:

# Paper, pencil, clipboard

# One or more large juice or coffee cans

# Transparent plastic wrap

# Elastic band

# Waterproof tape or duct tape

Preparation:

1. Make a list of every plant and animal you expect to see below the surface

2. Remove the top and bottom of each can

3. For a long tube, tape two or three cans together

4. Cut a piece of plastic wrap so that it is 2-inches larger than the opening at the end of the can

5. Use elastic band to secure plastic wrap around one end of the can or tube

Testing this idea:

1. Take this apparatus and your list to the edge of a pond, stream or lake

2. Kneel down carefully and place the covered end of the can into the water

3. Look through the open end

What did you observe? Did you find what you expected to see? Did you see something you did not expect to see?

What would be different if you did this in spring, summer, autumn?

*In the Northeast USA you might see: minnows, tadpoles, frogs, sunfish, salamanders, garter snakes, crayfish, snails, mayflies - and underwater plants

For a half-century, writer and passionate naturalist JJ Murphy, has been providing nature programs, original curricula, articles, product reviews, books and open discussion to children and eco-aware adults across the USA. She lives in Harriman, NY. http://www.writerbynature.com Creative Content for Your Nature Endeavors