Tule Ponds and Tyson Lagoon

Lab Sheet

 Name_______________________________           Date_________________________

Season______________________________

Water level (circle one)    dry    low    medium    high    storm event
 

Station 1 - Overlook

After your instructor explains the layout of the ponds, mark the following on your map.

Mark any nesting sites in the correct location on your map, with a 'X'.
Mark all water inlets in the correct location on the map with an 'I'.

During your trip today find one bird that you do not already know and identify it using your bird identification booklet.
During your trip today find one plant that you do not already know and identify it using your plant identification booklet.

Station 2 - Pond 3

Macroscopic Observations

Are there any signs of pollution at this site? If so, please describe. Pollution can include cans, bottles, paper, soap scum, oil, etc.

Are there any signs of life at this station? if so, please describe. Life could include nesting sites, crayfish, fish, shellfish, etc.

Microscopic Observations

Look at your sample under the microscope. Draw any signs of life you observe. Using the microorganism identification booklets, try to identify your organism.
 
 

Station 3 - Pond 2

Macroscopic Observations

Are there any signs of pollution at this site? If so, please describe. Pollution can include cans, bottles, paper, soap scum, oil, etc.

Are there any signs of life at this station? if so, please describe.

Microscopic Observations

Look at your sample under the microscope. Draw any signs of life you observe. Using the microorganism identification booklets, try to identify your organism.
 
 
 

Station 4 - Pond 1

Macroscopic Observations

Are there any signs of pollution at this site? If so, please describe.

Are there any signs of life at this station? if so, please describe.

Microscopic Observations

Look at your sample under the microscope. Draw any signs of life you observe. Using the microorganism identification booklets, try to identify your organism.
 
 

Station 5 - Tyson Lagoon

Macroscopic Observations

Are there any signs of pollution at this site? If so, please describe.

Are there any signs of life at this station? if so, please describe.

Microscopic Observations

Look at your sample under the microscope. Draw any signs of life you observe. Using the microorganism identification booklets, try to identify your organism.

Tule Reeds

Look at a small sample of a tule reed under the microscope. Draw what you observe.

Station 6 - Overlook

Use your map and lab sheets to answer the following questions.

1. In which pond(s) was there no life?
 

    In these ponds did you notice any other signs of pollution?
 

    Did this pond have any water sources entering it?
 

2. In which pond was there the most evidence of life?
 

    What signs of life did you observe?
 

3. The designers of the Tule Ponds planned for the water pollution to decrease as the water moved from pond 1 to Tyson's Lagoon. Polluted water will not support life; therefore, the ponds with the most life have the least amount of pollution. Did your results support this? Why or why not?
 


4-6 Watershed Curriculum  Teacher's Guide