Our school pond is not just a peaceful retreat—it’s a living classroom! Throughout the year, children witness the changing seasons through the lens of aquatic life, learning valuable lessons about ecosystems, adaptation, and care for living things. Right now, our goldfish in the pond during cold weather are having icy cold temperatures. Did you know that… Koi and goldfish are cold-blooded creatures , meaning their body temperature and activity levels adjust to their environment. As water temperatures dip below 50°F (10°C): Fish reduce their activity and settle near the bottom of the pond, where the water is slightly warmer. Their metabolism slows down , so they eat less, digest food slower, and rely on stored energy to sustain them during the winter. (Feeding them during this time can actually be harmful!) They take a deep nap – Dormancy! In freezing conditions, fish enter a state of torpor , conserving energy until the water warms again.