Canyon Frog Colour Change

Author:

Oliver Hyman and Jackie Christoffel

Area: Life Sciences

Grade Level:

 8-12  * this lesson was designed to meet 8^th grade science standards.

Overview:

This lesson is meant to enhance students’ understanding of homeostasis and protective coloration through both formal lecture and scientific inquiry. Students will be introduced to important concepts including Homeostasis, Ectothermy, Endothermy, Poikilothermy, Homeothermy, and Crypsis. Following a brief introduction, students will be asked to test the validity of these concepts by designing experiments using Canyon tree frogs and easily manipulated microhabitats. Student designed experiments will not only solidify their understanding of these concepts, but also improve student ability to implement the scientific method. Throughout the course of the lesson, student learning will be assessed through the use of informal review, in class worksheets, quizzes, tests, and a final lab write up. 

 Keywords

Adaptation, Homeostasis, Crypsis, Thermoregulation, Endothermy, Ectothermy, Amphibian, Frog, Experimentation, Manipulation, Independent and Dependent Variables