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Return to Backyard Conservation Home Page Return to Backyard Lesson Home Page Hoptoad Habitats Summary The Hoptoad Habitats Module is designed to inspire a sense of stewardship and respect for amphibians and empower students to take personal action to conserve their local habitats. This is accomplished through hands-on inquiry, teamwork, and exploration of local ecosystems, whether on a nearby Corporate Lands for Learning, school yard, or backyard. The core of the module is the Puddle Jumpers Field Journal, which leads students and instructors through an inquiry-based study of an actual vernal pool or other wetland. In addition, there are optional pre-and post-visit lessons to complement the study visit. The Tools section shares resources such as curricula available from other organizations focusing on related topics such as metamorphosis and anatomy. This module was designed for the mid-Atlantic region, but is easily applied to other regions since the focus is not on any particular species, but amphibians in general and their habitats. Although designed especially for vernal pools, wetlands and other bodies of freshwater can also be used for the fieldwork. Objective Students will explore the concepts of habitat, amphibian life cycle, and the connection between habitat and amphibians. During optional pre-visit lessons, students will brainstorm in teams to determine habitat needs and develop an amphibian habitat plan for their own yards. Students will also complete their field guide by accurately coloring the species in preparation for the study visit. They will then develop observation skills through a field study visit to a vernal pool or other wetland, where they will use inquiry and teamwork. Following the visit, students will investigate questions generated during the visit, reproduce the habitat through a mural, and create signs to encourage awareness and conservation of the vernal pools in their community. Grades: 3-5 Subjects: Science, language, art Skills: Observation, research, inquiry, communication, animal and plant identification, habitat design, organization, creative thinking, and team-building. Materials: Puddle Jumpers Field Journal, field guides, art supplies, internet access (optional) Optional Pre-visit Lessons Ecological Study Visit
Follow-up Lessons/Activities
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