Pond system

Creation of the pond

In the summer semester 2010, our project group started work on the Institute's pond with stream, continuing the work of the previous semester. Both the garden pond and the stream had to be completed. The pond had also become very polluted (leaves, rubbish) and black pond liner was visible at the edge. In order to maintain a nutrient balance in the pond and prevent eutrophication, the foreign
eutrophication, the foreign material first had to be removed. Then the edge of the pond was lined with stones to cover the overhanging liner. Covering with soil had to be avoided to prevent excessive water loss through capillary forces.

Design of the stream

The stream course required stronger intervention. Flow tests showed that the slope was insufficient and the liner used was too large. In addition, there were no stones for stabilisation. In the spring area, a masonry container was embedded, which was to be glued to the foil of the stream. Since initial attempts failed to produce an impermeable connection, this project was abandoned and the container removed. The slope was raised and the pond liner was relaid. The stream bed was laid with stones of different sizes and fixed at the edges. Selected marsh or water plants were placed between the stones. To supply the stream with water, a plastic pipe was laid in the existing trench, through which a hose was led to the pump. The layer of air between the pipe and the hose should protect the pipe from frost in winter. A socket with an earth spike was set up near the bank to supply the pump with electricity. The connection to the public power grid was made by an electrician. The pump was secured against theft with a chain attached to an earth spike set in concrete.

Teaching objectives

The following teaching objectives can be achieved by working on the projects "Repairing the rock garden" and "Finishing the stream and pond":

Affective learning goals:

•     Promotion of problem-solving skills (e.g. lack of slope at the stream).
•     Reduction of disgust (e.g. when clearing out rotting sludge from the pond).

Cognitive learning goals:

•     Expanding knowledge of species (e.g. which plants grow in the belly run and rock garden).

    Social learning goals:

•     Group feeling / teamwork (e.g. putting the pipes together).

Instrumental learning goals:

•     Handling equipment and tools (e.g. planting and digging tools).
•     Learning project planning