Teaching Guide

Frogs Alive!

produced by

Grace Munson

 gmunson225@yahoo.com

Web Institute for Teachers, Summer, 2001

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  Introduction | Aim | Rationale | Audience/Prerequisites | Subject-Matter |
Goals and Objectives | Instructional Plan | Materials | Assessment and Evaluation | Appendices ! Resources ! Student Page


Aim

First through third grade children will explore the world of frogs to foster observation and experimentation.

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Rationale

Children love to explore but are often hindered by limited access to the environment.  As the technological ages enables us to bring so much to our chidren via computer, this quest brings the resources of the world to the computer screen in front of the child.  Frogs catch the attention of children and adults alike and we want to expose children to the skills required for using the internet while including an interesting science approach.

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Goals and Objectives

We want our children to be able to:
  • implement computer keyboard skills and internet usage
  • understand the life of an adult frog
  • understand the lifecycle of a frog
  • understand key vocabulary such as metamorphasis
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Audience

Primary grade children, late first grade through early third grader, can explore activities on and off the computer that enable them to feel like real scientists.

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Prerequisites

There will not be a lot of prior knowledge required.  Familiarity with the computer will be helpful.  They will learn how to use the Back and Forward button, and how to double click.  Children will explore science without feeling like they can't do the projects.  We want children to be successful, thus leading them to confidence in other subject areas.

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Instructional Plan

Activities:

1.  Frog Skin--children will create a substance that will feel like the skin of a frog.

2.  Raising Tadpoles--the classroom fish tank will become a pond for raising tadpoles as they develop through the stages to become frogs.  Children will document their hypothesis, predictions, observations and results in their journals.

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Materials

Besides having a variety of books related to frogs in your classroom, you'll need:
 
  • Activity 1
    • green jello
    • just a bit of water
    • the back of your hand
    • small cup with stir stick
  • Activity 2
      • fish bowl or tank
      • plain water, no water treatment needed
      • tadpoles from the pet store
      • observation journals (bought or made)
      • pencils, colored pencils, crayons
      • computer/internet for link

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    Assessment and Evaluation

    1. Students will complete the first activity on a "did or didn't do" basis.
    2. The second activity will require the reflection of the child.  Did the child record for each day of attendance?  Was there some thought process evident?  Did they pay attention to detail when applicable (there won't be changes every day)?
    3. Students should be able to communicate their knowledge to the visitors from other classrooms. Did they show their journal or the story books in the room?

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