K-1 Pond Life Quiz Activity Instructions:

Depending on the level of the students, you can have them tell you the answers out loud (after raising their hand), or have them write the answers down, copying the words from the dictionary. If you like, you can keep score of which person (or group) finds the most answers.

This is a dictionary "scavenger hunt," a simple activity for children who are starting to be familiar with the alphabet and the sounds the letters make.

The students will do their work at a computer (or in small groups of 2 to 3 students at a computer). The teacher asks the students (some of) the questions listed below.

To answer the questions, the students must go to the right page in the dictionary by clicking on the correct letter at the top of the Little Explorers page. They will then look at the pictures on the page to answer the question.

1. This pond animal's name starts with a "B." It is a mammal that builds dams to form large ponds and builds a den in the pond. It has a large, flat tail and strong teeth, which it uses to cut down trees. What is it called? Answer: Beaver

2. This animal's name starts with a "D." It is a flying insect that can hover in mid-air. What is it called? Answer: Dragonfly

3. This animal's name starts with a "D." It is a bird that floats on the water. What is it called? Answer: Duck

4. This animal's name also starts with a "D." It is a fast-running mammal that drinks from ponds. What is it called? Answer: Deer

5. This animal's name starts with an "F." It swims in the water and has fins. It breathes using gills. What is it called? Answer: Fish

6. This animal's name also starts with an "F." It is an amphibian that hops and swims. What is it called? Answer: Frog

7. This animal's name starts with a "G." It is a bird that makes a loud, honking sound. What is it called? Answer: Goose

8. This animal's name starts with an "H." It is a long-legged bird with a long, sharp bill. What is it called? Answer: Heron

9. This animal's name starts with an "M." It is a small, flying insect that bites animals (including people). What is it called? Answer: Mosquito

10. This animal's name also starts with an "M." It is a mammal that builds a dome-shaped house in a pond. What is it called? Answer: Muskrat

11. This animal's name starts with an "N." It is an amphibian that is has a long tail and is brightly colored. What is it called? Answer: Newt

12. This animal's name starts with a "P." It is an insect that walks on the water. What is it called? Answer: Pond Skater

13. This animal's name starts with an "S." It is a beatiful, long-necked bird. What is it called? Answer: Swan

14. This animal's name also starts with an "S." It is a slow-moving animal that lives in a shell. What is it called? Answer: Snail

15. This animal's name starts with an "T." It is another slow-moving animal that lives in its own shell. What is it called? Answer: Turtle

For a page on pond animal printouts, click here.