South Carolina ETV

South Carolina ETV
1101 George Rogers Boulevard
Columbia, SC 29201-4761
Phone: 803-737-3545

Frog and Toad Are Confusing (Grade 3)

Master Teacher

Tricia Porter

Time allotment

90 minutes

Overview

Students cannot easily distinguish between a frog and a toad. However, there are many differences that you can use to tell them apart.

Subject Matter

Science

Learning Objectives

The students will be able to

compare and contrast a frog and a toad
identify characteristics of a frog and a toad
distinguish between the two animals
describe characteristics of a frog and a toad

Standards

Compare and describe the growth of a living thing based on observations and measurements over time, including the stages of development.

Investigate structural adaptations and characteristics of an animal.

Media Components

Video

Kratt's Creatures: Marshmania

Web Sites

Materials

Frog
Toad

Equipment

Computer with Internet access
VCR
provided graphic organizers for each student

Preparation for Teachers

Bookmark sound of frogs and toads as well as the pictures of frogs and toads from the Internet sites.

Listen to the sounds prior to the activity, to select sounds that are not easy to identify.

Cue the video at the appropriate spot.

Introductory Activity

Step 1

Play a sound of a frog from the Web site. Ask students to identify the sound. Continue playing the sound from the site until the students identify the mystery animal.

Step 2

Ask students to if they can distinguish between a frog sound and a toad sound.

Step 3

Ask students other ways you can tell a frog apart from a toad.

Step 4

Have students look at an actual frog and a toad. Have students list any similarities and differences based on their observation.

Learning Activity

Step 1

After listing their similarities and differences, explain that they are about to see a video that explains the differences between a frog and a toad. Tell students that the Kratt Brothers are in the wetlands observing the frog and toad.

Step 2

Focus for Media Interaction: Ask students to listen to find out how a frog and toad's skin differ.

Have the tape cued to the part where the brothers are in the water and say, "What is the difference between a frog and a toad?"

PLAY the tape and pause immediately after the answer is revealed on the program. Have students write down what they learned.

Step 3

Focus for Media Interaction: Tell students to now listen for how the eggs of a frog are different from the eggs of a toad. PLAY the video and PAUSE immediately after the answer is given. Have students write the response on their charts.

Step 4

Focus for Media Interaction: Ask students to listen to how the colors of a frog and toad are different? PLAY the tape and PAUSE as soon as the answer is given. Have students write the response on their charts.

Step 5

Rewind to the beginning of the segment and now ask students to listen to ways that frogs and toads are the same. Play the entire two-minute segment.

Culminating Activity

Step 1

Pull up the Web site Herps Pictures - Frogs and Toads. Click on a frog or a toad name. Do not let the children see the name of the animal you clicked on. Give children a minute to examine the picture and have them try to make an educated guess as to whether it is a frog or a toad. Continue until students are able to tell the animals apart.

Step 2

Allow students to complete the Venn diagram of a frog and a toad.

Cross-Curricular Extensions

Language Arts: Read Frog and Toad Are Friends

Community Connections

South Carolina Aquarium

Fort Johnson Wetlands: Ask for education staff