How does a pond change over time once beavers move in? Objective Students will be able to understand beaver pond succession and how succession is one example of the ongoing process of change in natural environments. Background Succession is a term used to describe the ever changing environment and the gradual process by which one habitat is replaced by another. Many habitats that appear to be stable are changing before us, perhaps at a slow rate in human eyes, but evolving rather quickly according to earth's clock. Beavers make changes in the environment when they cut trees and build dams. Ref Duration: 90 Minutes Additional Standards: NGSS 3-LS4-4. Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change. Essential Question How does a pond change over time once beavers move in? Objective Students will.