Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Science For Kids: Frogs

         

                   The Pre-K class had a short discussion last week about the question: Do frogs hibernate? As I was searching for some videos to supplement my lesson, I found this video that was created beautifully that will help me explain the lesson we had last week. This is the video that I need to show my students in class tomorrow.


                 And yes, they do hibernate. Frogs bury themselves under ground or under leaf litter, and hibernate. In some areas, these frogs freeze completely when winter comes, entering a hibernation period. They actually stop their heartbeat, and thaw when spring comes. Watch this!



                 I found this article that talks about the Noth American wood frog.

           Hibernation is most interesting in a species known as the wood frog. This species is found in northern climates, including Canada and Alaska. These frogs simply burrow underneath leaf litter on the forest floor and freeze solid. The physiology of the wood frog has evolved to produce an anti-freeze of sorts. Water is pulled out of the cells and replaced with this anti-freeze. So, when the frog tissue freezes, ice crystals do not damage sensitive organs. When springtime comes the wood frogs warm up, thaw out and go about the business of laying eggs and eating insects. Resource Link Click here

            Nice article. I like frogs, but had no idea of this. :) I know that my class will enjoy learning about this lesson.


                                       Pre-K's Top 4 favorite Frogs


Tree Frog- because they are amazing,(during winter time) they freezes and thaws in the spring.                                                                                 





                           Coqui- they are small, they climb up  trees and sing.




American Bull Frog: Kids enjoy learning about the largest frog (Bullfrog) that eats anything.



                                            Check this out!



                                                                            

            Red eyed frog is also popular and their favorite because they climb up trees and clinging onto leaves. When they are ready to breed they jump off and float through the air. Children thinks this frog has a super power like superman because as soon as he reach the ground nothing happens. This little guy didn't get hurt because they weigh less. And then I have to demonstrate this as a teacher (you want your students to understand what happen). Well, I did all the gestures, drama and play like a frog(floating through the air, stretched the arms and legs like frogs). They even enjoyed the frog dance (stretching and wiggling their toes) And they love it! Haha!
                                 

                                                       
                   We will be learning more....we are extremely excited about learning new everyday!

Leap and Learn!

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