Oakland (aka Smith’s Mill) Pond is a very family-friendly place to paddle, full of wildlife and interesting things to see. There is even a float plane down at the west end!
It seems fitting to establish a simple earth cache here, one that is easy enough for kids to do.
Please note that this must be completed from a watercraft only, as accessing from land constitutes trespassing.
This EC deals with EROSION, a topic that relates to the Science curriculum throughout the grades, so kids are encouraged to take lots of photos. When your teacher asks you to do a project and/or make a slideshow presentation on erosion, you will have plenty of material to get a great mark!
Simply stated, EROSION the process of soil being moved by wind, water, or other natural agents.
You will be directed to 3 locations, each giving a different aspect of erosion. But you will see many signs elsewhere, if you choose to paddle all around the pond.
Please message me the answers to the following questions; all reasonable efforts will be accepted.
At GZ (N43 01.471 W080 18.004):
- Give examples of erosion here.
- Why is the sand colour lighter at the top and darker at the bottom?
- Describe some features of this bank that make it prone to erosion.
- What do you think would be the main factor in causing this bank to erode?
Waypoint #1 (N43 01.531 W080 18.002)
- Look at the low bank directly across from here. Is there more, or less erosion there than at this higher bank?
- Give evidence to support your claim.
Waypoint #2 (N43 01.438 W080 18.088)
Here, you will see evidence of “undercutting”, where the lower portion of the bank erodes, providing no support for the upper portion.
- Take note of the section at the water’s edge. There is evidence of something other than wind or water contributing to the undercutting. What is it?
OPTIONAL BONUS QUESTION:
- If you were to build a house beside this pond, how close to the edge would you build it? Why?
- Do you think Oakland Pond is getting larger? Justify your answer.
Kids: Please take lots of photos, in case you need them for a school project.
PHOTO REQUIRED: Please take a selfie or photo of your name tag, from anywhere around the pond.
Logs without photos may be deleted.