Phase Two Activities and Learning
Below is a sample of the exploratory and research-focused activities the children did as they sought answers to their frog-related inquiries.
Subtopics Learning Goals Activities Evidence of Learning
Frog camouflage |
Explain the concept of camouflage and how animals use it to blend into their environments |
During field visits, observed where frogs of various colors clustered; observed and used tally marks to record the number of frogs |
Identified that frogs resembled leaves and tree bark and gathered where they were less visible; verbally explained how frogs hide from predators; calculated tallies to determine the frog population |
Poisonous frogs Identify poisonous frogs; convey how bright colors warn predators to stay away
Conducted research using nonfiction texts and online sources to learn more about the characteristics of poisonous frogs and their habitats; created observational paintings of poisonous frogs
Identified that the local frogs were not poisonous; explained that many poisonous frogs live in rainforests; accurately identified the characteristics of poisonous frogs verbally or in drawings / paintings
Differences between frogs and toads |
Identify and describe differences in the characteristics of frogs and toads |
Looked for frogs and toads during field visits; identified examples of each species and observed their differences; conducted a sticky hand experiment to better understand how frogs use their hands |
Identified that frogs have sticky hands and toads do not; explored how each species makes use of these traits |
decided to make signs and write letters to convey their messages, which they completed during choice time the next day. They posted their signs on the playground and delivered the letters to the other classes.
However, despite these efforts, frogs were still being harmed. Ms. Evelyn and Ms. Kelly invited the children to brainstorm other ways they could communicate their message. One child shared that she watched videos to learn, which sparked an idea: They could make a movie. During the last two weeks of the frog project,
52 Young Children
Summer 2025