Frog Mutation Lesson Plan

Frog Mutation Lesson Plan The Parasite Hypothesis Wise Science Unit Sue Way

Target Grade  6-8th grade  30 students per classroom  15 computers with fast Internet access - speed is important or the pages in the science unit will slow down/frustrate the investigation  science class  2-3, 50 minute class periods  WISE web site http://wise.berkeley.edu/welcome.php

Goals for frog mutation…  critical thinking  form conclusion based on facts presented  investigation of the nature and cause of frog deformities (mutations)  parasites  investigate how environment may influence/determine characteristics of an organism - MDE Science benchmark III, 2, middle school

Objectives for Deformed Frogs-The Parasite Hypothesis  working in groups of 2, students will participate in frog mutation science unit  following this web based science unit, students will…  record observations on the web site  discuss observations with partner  use hints provided to guide observations  learn about the parasite hypothesis  learn about parasite Trematodes lifecycle  cyst  learn about parasite effects on frogs  extra legs  lack of legs  make predictions about cause of mutation  based on information about frog/parasite lifecycle  based on types of mutations  based on location of mutations  make observations from information at various links  "Clearing & Staining"  experiments completed  beads  record observations  form conclusion  create letter to scientist doing research on hypothesis  follow rubric

Rubric for letter & evidence notes-30 points…  evidence notes-5 points  State your opinion of the parasite hypothesis-5 points  Tell them which evidence supported the parasite hypothesis and why-5 points  Tell them which evidence contradicted the parasite hypothesis and why-5 points  Describe what additional research you think needs to be done to understand things further-5 points

Assumptions about what students have covered and should know…  Frog's life cycle and development  Egg/tadpole/frog stages  Frog dissection completed virtually  Scientific method  Food chain  Mutation definition  Internet use  Computer use  Will complete Environmental Chemical & Mystery projects to finish experiment at other class sessions

Advantages for use of technology  Collaborative project designed by middle school teachers, university biologists, and the KIE/SCOPE research team  Internet access to text, tutorial (web quest) & graphics  Provides links to various sites and supplemental materials providing more complex concepts  Provides most current links with continually updated materials  Potential to connect with additional lesson plans created by same group or linked to teacher created sites  Systematic display of information  Small amounts of information  Student paced  Site can be repeated