FROGS!

A Thematic unitBy

Lisa Stanley

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What are frogs?

Frogs are amphibians. Amphibians are cold-

blooded animals that have moist skin, reproduce by laying eggs, and live on land and water.

Frogs have existed on Earth since the age of dinosaurs.

How do frogs reproduce?The life cycle of a frog has several steps. The mother frog lays eggs

near vegetation in a pond of water.

The eggs hatch into tiny tadpoles that breathe with gills and feed on plants in the water.

The tadpoles then develop their legs---back legs first then front legs.

As the tadpoles grow, their tails become shorter and shorter until they are no longer visible.

How does their skin stay moist?

Frogs drink little or no water, absorbing it through their skin instead. To keep their skin moist, they have glands that release a slime-like mucus.

How do frogs protect themselves?

Camouflage and poison help protect frogs. Frogs that live in the water or in the forest are often dark green or brown, the colors of their surroundings. Tropical frogs are brightly colored to warn predators. Their poison and coloring often develop when they are young.

Is it a frog or a toad?

Frogs:

Have moist, smooth skinDo not have bumps on their headsCan jump several times the length of their bodiesLay their eggs in clumps

Toads:

Have plump bodiesHave dry, warty skinHave a large poison gland behind each “ear”Hop only a few inches at a timeLay their eggs in strings

Application

List and illustrate the life cycle of a frog

Frogs

Sources

“Frog Facts” Teacher’s Friend June 1982.

“Frogs: A Thematic Unit Plan” ERIC Lesson Plans

Petty, Kate. Frogs and Toads

http://www.allaboutfrogs.org/frogland. html

http://freespace.virgin.net/darren.biggs/Amphibs1.html