No kidding. You can actually freeze snowballs for summer use.

This was originally written as a magazine submission. It was not published, but I believe this information is important. This is not something you can practice. I visualize this situation in order to imprint it. I hope I never fall through ice, but if I did, I’d be more likely to survive.

Predicament: 

You’re crossing a snow-covered lake when you hear a CRACK and instantly plunge into frigid water.

The rain has not been steady, the air is warm and there’s no
breeze. It’s enough for a quickie hike and a few wildlife photos.

Here is a list of residents of the pond.

Using the same micro hike observation technique, find the plants and animals listed – and add your own observations to the list. Combine with home-made pondscope project for a delightful way to spend time outdoors.

This is a quote from Edward Duensing’s Talking to Fireflies, Shrinking the Moon: Nature Activities for All Ages

It’s not only a nature study, it a terrific application of math skills.

I have a few favorite waterfalls, one with a perfect swimming hole. When it’s too hot to do anything else, I can sit for hours rapt in the sound of that waterfall.

I learned how to watch a drop of water from one of my favorite nature authors, Edward Duensing.

If you have access to a waterfall, take a look at the rocks behind the flowing water. You’ll notice two different colors. The lighter color is the soft rock that has been eroded by water over time.

I always associate tide pools with Rachel Carson.

Growing up within a couple of miles of Long Island Sound, these low-tide miniature oceans provide an opportunity to observe creatures we typically ignore.

This is another excellent opportunity for practicing nature observation skills.

This instrument measures what your hair already does – humidity in the air.

In fact, the materials to make this weather measuring device include – hair.
This project is more complex than the preceding three weather machines.

It integrates nicely with other weather machine activities, including barometer and cloud study.

What makes it special is that the hair hygrometer, invented in 1783 was the technology of choice to measure humidity until the 1960′s.

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

Here is an easy way to find out:

Materials:

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