Plant Collection Activity

What you'll need:

A pole with a hook on it
Collecting bucket
Pond water
Flat pan or dish
White paper and newspaper
Cheesecloth
Heavy books

Steps:

1. Fill the collecting bucket with pond water.

2. Using the hook on the end of the pole reach under the surface and get some of the plants from the bottom of the pond. (submergents) PUT THE SPECIMENS IN THE BUCKET IMMEDIATELY.

3. Lay the drawing paper in the pan and cover it in pond water, and while while floating, arrange the specimens over the drawing paper.

4. Lift the paper from the water and cover it with the following: cheescloth, newspaper, and more newspaper, then heavy books.

5. Let dry overnight. It should stick to the paper. If the plant is heavy, then put a little extra glue on the edges.

Note: Submergant glued on paper make nice cards, notepaper, placemats and pictures.

-Adapted from Pond & Stream Habitats