A couple weeks ago, we found a book at the library called “The Kids Summer Handbook.” (Amazon Affiliate Link) Aidan was really excited about the ideas in this book! I kept finding him reading it in between school subjects. He tried building the cardboard canoe right away, but we didn’t have any wax to melt to seal it and I said I wasn’t buying any, so he moved onto the water scope project.

Make a water scope to see more clearly into a pond or stream A water scope allows you to see more clearly into the murky waters of a pond or stream. We are very fortunate to have a creek behind our house, and the boys LOVE to go back there and catch minnows and frogs. I wasn’t sure that I really wanted to see more clearly into the murky water (since there are snakes! eeek!), but we decided to give it a try!

To make one, you will need:

  • An empty plastic container. We used a Powerade bottle, but a large yogurt container would work better.
  • A rubber band
  • Plastic wrap
  • A utility knife

Cut the bottom off of whatever container you’re using. This will be the window into the water. Since we were using a bottle, we cut the top off too.

Make a water scope to see into a pond or stream Then, cover the bottom end with plastic wrap. Fasten it on with a rubber band. You want the plastic wrap to go up pretty high on the container, because water will leak in if the container is submerged above the rubber band.

Make a water scope to see into a creek or stream Then you’re ready to explore!

Make a water scope to see into a pond or stream The water scope eliminates glare on the surface of the water, and you can get a much better look at what is down there! It’s hard to tell because of all the glare in this picture, but the water scope really did work well.

Make a water scope to see more clearly into a pond or stream

Thankfully we didn’t see any snakes! But the older boys went back to the creek later in the afternoon and saw two, so I might not be making any more trips down there. 🙂

For more outdoor fun:

Learn how to make plaster casts of animal tracks – we got some great raccoon prints!

Take art supplies outdoors and draw things that you see in nature!

Use contact paper to make a nature collage – aren’t these pretty?

Preserve real spider webs – with paint and black paper.

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  1. Mary Catherine May 16, 2013

    What a great idea -- and very clear directions, thank you! Of course, with this, I stand even less chance than usual of getting my son away from the pond when it's time to go home. :)

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  2. Gwen May 16, 2013

    going to be doing this with my 4H club soon, thank you!

    Reply
  3. Pond Sealer Feb 15, 2018

    Make a water scope to see more clearly into a pond or stream water scope allows you to see more clearly into the murky waters of a pond or stream.One thing that nature has given the opportunity to live animals, so in my pond I utilized Pondpro2000 to let the life in light of the fact that it’s eco-accommodating.

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