Activity Guide and Lesson Plan

Dear educators,

The Southern Appalachian Mountains Region is not only stunningly beautiful, but one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world. To provide an example, more salamanders are found here than anywhere else on the planet. Unfortunately this biodiversity hotspot is under threat due to pollution, habitat loss and many other issues that affect many of our wild places. Instilling a passion for conservation and good stewardship towards our wild places is much needed and the Amphibian & Reptile Conservancy (ARC)- along with our sponsor, Georgia Pacific- created this packet to help our educators bring more nature into their classrooms and lesson planning . Thank you for your support by downloading this packet and sharing it with your students. We provide these resources for free and only ask for your feedback in return so we may use this information to better our education curriculums and advocate more organizations to support our education efforts.

Please provide your feedback here.

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures Salamanders of Southern Appalachian Mountains

Links to digital resources

Use the links below to make copies of all of these resources in Google Slides!

Teacher Guide (lesson plans and printables): https://bit.ly/387g3qm

Student activity slides: https://bit.ly/3kVtBZz

Southern Appalachian Mountain Salamanders presentation: https://bit.ly/360KRXp

Southern Appalachian Mountain Salamanders presentation video:(includes extra information about each slide!) https://bit.ly/37kJeV6

Permeable Skin Activity video: https://bit.ly/3o3Gv9h

Printable coloring pages: https://bit.ly/361OgVC

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures Teacher's Guide

Investigating and Interviewing : Salamanders of the Appalachian Mountains

More species of salamanders exist in the southern Appalachian Mountains than anywhere else in the world, and nowhere are they more abundant. Unfortunately, not many know about this incredible, 'backyard' biodiversity hotspot in the southeastern US.

Learning about these astonishingly, unique species will leave your students wide- eyed and full of questions to explore for many more hours even after the activities are over.

Currently, over 34 species in the southern United States (81 in the entire US) are under threat of extinction. Instilling a curiosity in our future generations is critical in the fight to prevent their decline. We thank you for your passion in educating and fostering a love for the natural world.

In these activities, students will: 1 Interview a very peculiar species-the mudpuppy 2. Investigate another southern Appalachian salamander species of their choice 3. 'Discover' their own salamander species.

The goal of this activity to strengthen skills in reading comprehension, fact- finding, interviewing, and writing while learning about the incredible world of southern Appalachian salamnders.

NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS USED IN THIS ACTIVITY

3-LS3-1: Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits • Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence that plants and animals have traits inherited from parents and that variation of these traits exists in a group of similar organisms. LS3.A: Inheritance of Traits • Many characteristics of organisms are inherited from their parents. (3-LS3-1) LS3.B: Variation of Traits • Different organisms vary in how they look and function because they have different inherited information. (3-LS3-1)

3-LS4-3: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.

4-LS1-1 Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures Teacher's Guide

Investigating and Interviewing : Salamanders of the Appalachian Mountains

Resources

(Act 1) Biokids_Mudpuppy http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Necturus_maculosus/

(Act 1) Tennessee Watchable Wildlife-Mudpuppy http://www.tnwatchablewildlife.org/details2.cfm? sort=aounumber&uid=10040515535810239&commonname=Common%20Mudpup py&DISPLAYHABITAT=&typename=Amphibian&Taxonomicgroup=Amphibian%2 0-%20Salamanders

(Act 1) Nat Geo-Mudpuppy: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/amphibians/m/mudpuppy/

(Act 2)NHPBS: Eastern Newt https://nhpbs.org/wild/easternnewt.asp/

(Act 2) U.S. Fish & Wildlife: Hellbender https://www.fws.gov/southeast/wildlife/amphibians/eastern-hellbender/

(Act 2) Herps of NC: Cheoh Bald Salamander: http://herpsofnc.org/cheoah-bald- and-red-legged-salamanders/

(Act 2) Herps of NC: Two-toed Amphiuma http://herpsofnc.org/two-toed-amphiuma/

(Act 2) Reptiles & Amphibians of NC: Salamander Species list http://herpsofnc.org/salamanders/

(Act 3) ARC New Species Discovered: Green Salamander https://amphibianandreptileconservancy.org/discovered-a-new-species-of-green- salamander/

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures AMPHIBIAN & REPTILE CONSERVANCY

SALAMANDERS OF THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS WORDS TO KNOW

Directions: Words can be found forwards, backwards, vertically, horizontally, or diagonally . BONUS: Find the definitions of each word (or how it relates to salamanders) and write it on the back of this wordsearch.

AMPHIBIAN SKIN STREAM AMPHIUMA SLIME POLLUTION SALAMANDER LUNGLESS CONSERVATION HELLBENDER LARVA SPECIES WOODLANDS GILLS BIO-INDICATORS NEWT MUDPUPPY TAIL HABITAT WATERDOG

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures Teacher's Guide g ritin W y 1 ivit Act Investigating and Interviewing : Salamanders of the Appalachian Mountains

ACTIVITY 1: Interviewing With A Mudpuppy Activity

1.Before starting the activity, prepare a digital/paper copy of "Interview With A Mudpuppy" article, interview notes, investigation template for each student.

2.Pass out the 'Interview Notes' and investigation template to students first.

3.Read the the description of what a mudpuppy looks like from the article while students complete the first question (sketching portion) on their interview notes. Just like a real sketch artist, everyone must draw their version of the animal before seeing it. Have the students share and compare their drawings.

4.Pass out article to students and provide a picture of real mudpuppy. (See reference links) Discuss how the description in the article reflects the image: flat head for getting under rocks, flattened tail for swimming, feathery gills, etc.

5.Have students continue reading the article “Mudpuppy: The Salamander That Never Grew Up” and finish answering the questions as if interviewing a mudpuppy.

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures Interview With A Mudpuppy Writing Activity 1

Salamanders of the southern Appalachian Mountains are incredibly diverse and unique. They all have fascinating stories worthy of front page news! You will get the chance to interview a very peculiar species-the mudpuppy- from the salamander hotspot of the world! But first, we must investigate by reading the article below.

What does a mudpuppy look like?

Mudpuppies are aquatic salamanders that range in color from gray or brownish-gray with dark gray spots. They can grow to be longer than an adult man's foot (up to 16 inches). These salamanders have shovel-like heads to help squeeze into tight places, wide tails for swimming, stubby legs for walking on the bottom of stream beds, and feet with four distinct toes. The mudpuppy may sound like a mythical monster, It is easy to tell a mudpuppy apart from most but it is very real and completely harmless to humans.. terrestrial (land) salamanders because they have bushy, red external gills that look like fluffy feathers on each side of their head. Most Are mudpuppies fish? salamanders will lose their gills as they Even though they spend their entire lives in water metamorphasize from larva* to adults. However, and breathe through gills like fish, mudpuppies mudpuppies never 'grow up.' they are permanent are amphibians.They are related to frogs, toads, larva. Mud puppies also have flat tails to help and other salamanders. them swim in fast currents.

Where do mudpuppies live? What do mudpuppies eat? Mudpuppies live out their entire lives in water. Mudpuppies are nocturnal hunters They can not survive on land because their and opportunistic feeders. Crayfish are a major gills must stay in water to breath.- just like a part of their diet, but they also eat insect fish. They can be found in reservoirs ponds, and, larvae, small fish, fish eggs, aquatic worms, large streams with fast-flowing water and rocky. In snails, and other amphibians. addition to the soutnern Appalachian Mountains, they can be found from Canada down to Northern Georgia. How long do mudpuppies live for? Astonishingly, mudpuppies can live to be Logs and rocks are a mudpuppy's favorite hiding up to 20 years old in captivity. spot during the day. They come out at night to eat.

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures How did they get their names? If they never 'grow up,' They get their name from some people how do they reproduce? saying their squeaky vocalizations sound like a Even though their outside appearance never dog's bark. However, they don't really 'bark' change like other salamanders, mudpuppies like a dog. still mature and reproduce after they are about 6 years old. Mating usually takes place in Fall, but can happen in Winter if the animals are Mudpuppies look like something located in the warmer Southern areas. from another planet. Do they have In spring, females excavate underwater superpowers? nests beneath rocks, logs, and other items that could make a good shelter. She will attach 18- Mudpuppies may not have superpowers, but they 180 eggs the ceiling of her nest and guard have some pretty amazing adaptations. them until they hatch. Depending on the water temperature, the eggs will hatch in 1-2 months Like all ampbibans, their skin is really special. after laying. These aquatic salamanders have sense organs in their skin that help them detect water movement and pressure changes. These sense organs help them avoid What dangers do mudpuppies predators. They also have permeable skin, face? Are they endangered? which means their skin can absorb oxygen from the water. Although mudpuppies are not endangered, certain populations are declining. Habitat They can regrow portions of their tail, and destruction from 'muddied' water (siltation) and even entire limbs, if they have been damaged pollution is a problem. Because of their or lost. sensitive skin, they are especially vulnerable to toxins in the water. Unfortunately mudpuppies Often referred to as ‘bio-indicators’ because are also killed because of bad information. they are sensitive to pollutants and water Some fishermen will kill these salamanders quality, mudpuppies (as well as all because they think mudpuppies eat the eggs amphibians) act as an early warning system of game fish, even though they do not. for environmental problems.

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures Mudpuppy Interview Notes Part 1: Answer the following questions as if you were interviewing a mudpuppy.

1.I heard a description of what you look like. Here is my drawing.

2. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself? Where do you live? How old are you? What makes you different from other salamanders? (use the back of the paper for more room)

3. Could you tell me what your favorite food is? When do you like to eat? Day or night?

4.How did you get that name? Is it true that you can bark?

5. Is it true that you can ONLY live in water? Are you a fish? What happens if you are out of water for too long?

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures Mudpuppy Interview Notes

6. I think it is cool that you can breathe underwater with gills! Do you have another cool structure (body part) that is different than terrestrial (land) salamanders? What is it used for?

7. I heard you are a 'bio-indicator.' What does that mean?

8. That sounds like a superpower! Do you have any superpowers (adaptations) by chance?

9.I see that you encounter a lot of problems. What are some things humans can do to help you not become an endangered species?

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures Mudpuppy Interview Notes

Part 3: DRAW AND LABEL A MUDPUPPY

Now that you have learned more about the mudpuppy (and know what one looks like), draw a mudpuppy. Don't forget to label the body parts (gills, flat head, stubby legs, flattened tail) and describe what they are used for. You can use the shapes and lines tools, or draw on a piece of paper and insert a picture of your drawing below!

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures Teacher's Guide g ritin W y 2 ivit Act Investigating and Interviewing : Salamanders of the Appalachian Mountains

ACTIVITY 2: Extra. Extra. Salamander Paradise Found

1. Before starting the activity, prepare links- or printed articles- of salamander species bios (see resource list) and the 'Extra. Extra. Salamander Paradise Discovered' activity worksheet for each student. 2.Pass out worksheets and provide research resources to students. (This activity can be done in groups or individually). 3.As a class, go over instructions and questions. Use the mudpuppy facts from Activity 1 as an example species. 4.Have students use their investigation skills to collect information on a southern Appalachian species (of their choice or one provided to them) and fill out the template. 5. Students will use the collected information to write an article worthy of front page news and share with a partner (or the class).

Extension Activities: Create real newspaper articles to display. Cut a piece of paper in half (horizontally). Have students write their article on one piece and draw their species on the other. If typing the article, have students create enough space above the text to draw their picture. Glue to a piece of construction paper that the students have decorated like a newspaper.

Articles can be displayed on wall or secured together with yarn to make a class newspaper (careful of paper sticking together).

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures AMPHIBIAN & REPTILE CONSERVANCY

SALAMANDERS OF THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS SPECIES LIST

Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) Seepage salamander (Desmognathus aeneus) Spotted dusky salamander (D. conanti) Dwarf black-bellied salamander (D. folkertsi) Seal salamander (D. monticola) Ocoee salamander (D. ocoee) Black-bellied salamander (D. quadramaculatus) Blue Ridge two-lined salamander (Eurycea wilderae) Chatahoochee slimy salamander (Plethodon chatahoochee) Atlantic Coast slimy salamander (P. chlorobryonis) Red salamander (Pseudotriton ruber) Patch-nosed salamander (Urspelerpes brucei). Jefferson's salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum) Spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) Appalachian Mountain dusky salamander (Desmognathus ochrophaeus) Two-lined salamander (Eurycea bislineata) White-spotted slimy salamander (Plethodon cylindraceus) Cow Know slimy salamander (P. punctatus) Shenandoah Mountain salamander (P. virginia). Junaluska salamander (Eurycea junaluska) Long-tailed salamander (E. longicauda) Blue Ridge two-lined salamander (E. wilderae) Spring salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) Red-legged salamander (Plethodon shermani) Southern Appalachian Salamander (Plethodon teyahalee) Green salamander Red-spotted Newt Two-legged amphiuma Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) Southern Two-lined Salamander (Eurycea cirrigera) Three-lined Salamander (Eurycea guttolineata) Southern Gray-cheeked Salamander (Plethodon metcalfi) Atlantic Coast Slimy Salamander (Plethodon chlorobryonis) Shovel-nosed Salamander (Desmognathus marmoratus)

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures AMPHIBIAN & REPTILE CONSERVANCY

SALAMANDERS OF THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS The Gems of the Appalachian Mountains

Click on the salamander below to the presentation about salamanders of the Southern Appalachian Mountains!

Click on the link below to hear the presentation! This includes some examples and extra information for each slide!

https://bit.ly/37kJeV6

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures Writing EXTRA! EXTRA! Activity 2 SALAMANDER PARADISE DISCOVERED

More species of salamanders exist in the southern Appalachian Mountains than anywhere else in the world, and nowhere are they more abundant.Wow. This region is known as a 'biodiversity hotspot' because no where else can you find so many different species of salamander in one spot. In the sections below, research a salamander found in this 'biodiversity hotspot.' When you are finished filling out the sections, flip the paper over and write your front page news article. Don't forget to draw a picture of your species and label all their unique structures (body parts) and uses.

SALAMANDER SPECIES:

What does it look like? What kind of habitat is it found in?

Name a cool adaptation. (Hint: Toe pads and lungs)

What are some dangers to your species? How can humans help?

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures THE SALAMANDER SENTINEL TOP STORY!! Date:

WRITTEN BY:

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures Teacher's Guide g ritin W y 3 ivit Act Investigating and Interviewing : Salamanders of the Appalachian Mountains

ACTIVITY 3: Reporting For Duty: New Species Discovered

1.Before starting the activity, prepare 'Reporting For Duty: New Species Discovered' worksheet.

2.Pass out worksheets and read the directions together. Quickly create a story by providing examples as you read through each question.

3.n Activity 3, students will create their own unique salamander by discovering a 'new species' and writing a letter to the Amphibian & Reptile Conservancy (ARC). Encourage creativity. Salamanders are very unique creatures. Some are lungless and breathe completely through their skin, so there could be even crazier adaptations to be unveiled in the future. Have students share when finished.

Extension Activities: Have students 'discover' their own mountain full of new species. The reason why so many salamander species can live in one place is because they all fill unique 'niches,' or roles ,within a community. and don't have to compete for resources (shelter, food, etc). Have the students create new species that live in different habitats, use different food sources, utilize different hunting techniques, and find unique places for shelter so they don't have to compete with one another.

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures Writing

REPORTING FOR DUTY: Activity Activity 3 3 NEW SPECIES DISCOVERED

Did you know new species are still being discovered? In 2019, a new species of green salamander was discovered by a team of scientists (one being from the Amphibian & Reptile Conservancy) . Like so many salamanders in the southern Appalachian Mountains, green salamanders are really amazing. Not only can green salamanders breathe without lungs, they can also climb on trees and other vertical surfaces with the help of species toe pads- something that no other salamander in the southern Appalachian mountains can do! In the section below, pretend you are a scientist that just discovered a new species of salamander in the southern Appalachian Mountains and write about your discovery to the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy (ARC). Be sure to share where you found it (stream, cave, forest, etc), what you will call it and why, what it looks like, what type of adaptations it has (maybe yours can live in trees and glide, be creative), what are some dangers it faces, and how can humans can protect this fascinating new species. Note: If you run out of space, use the back or staple lined paper to this worksheet.

NEW SALAMANDER SPECIES: Dear ARC, I am excited to announce a new species of salamander I discovered! Let me tell you about it. . .

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures Permeable Skin ScienceScience

Recommended Age: to 6-10 Activity ActivityActivity Time: 45 (spread over 3 days)

Amphibians (that includes salamanders) are often referred as 'bio-indicators' or 'indicator species' because they act as an early warning system for environmental problems.

Unlike reptiles, most amphibians have thin skin that is very permeable (allowing liquids and gases to pass through it easily). In addition to water, amphibians can absorb oxygen through their skin with the help of slime. Slime? Yep, the slime is very important to the amphibian. If it were to dry out, the animal would suffocate and die.

In this activity, we will: explore the permeable membrane of a chicken eggs to understand how amphibian skin works understand how oxygen can pass through the membrane (and amphibian skin) understand how pollution can be harmful to amphibians Click the link below to watch a video on how to complete this activity! https://bit.ly/3o3Gv9h Materials: 4 large eggs 3 glasses (preferably wider rather than taller) White vinegar Water Blue food coloring plus 2 other colors to represent pollution. Toothpick Pen/Pencil Chart Two glass or light-colored bowls Protective gear

Activity Notes: This activity is completed in three parts. It can take anywhere from 24-48 hours for each step, so plan accordingly.

Side notes: This activity calls for 4 eggs, but you may want to prep a few more as backups. If raw eggs are not convenient for use (very young children or needing to present to multiple groups), this activity can also be done with hard boiled eggs. However, results may not be as impressive. If using hard boiled eggs, skip vinegar step. Carefully peel 2 of the 4 eggs. Try to keep the membrane intact. Place a shelled egg (representing an animal with non-permeable skin, like a reptile) and an unshelled egg (amphibian with permeable skin) in each one of your cups with colored water (Part 2, Step 4). You don't need to place in clear water. Take the eggs out after 24-48 hours and cut in half. Write down observations.

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures Procedure Science Activity

Save for Part 1: later 1.Place each of the 3 eggs in a separate glass. One egg will be left out and used later to compare sizes of other eggs. You can keep this one in refrigerator until next step. Pour vinegar inside each of the glasses, completely covering each of the eggs. Vinegar is a weak acid, so children should wear protective gear.

2. Vinegar will react with the outer shell and begin to dissolve it. Have the students draw what they see and describe their observations. (If only doing one demonstration for the entire class, have the students take turns viewing the egg).

3. Place eggs inside refrigerator for approximately 24-48 hours. (Note: Covering egg with foil or plastic wrap can help reduce smell.)

Part 2: 1. Carefully remove eggs and wash glasses thoroughly. Lightly rinse each egg with water.

2. Write your observations in your observation log. Do you see a difference between the egg with the hard shell and the ones from the vinegar? Remove & compare Fun tip: The membrane egg will even bounce if dropped an inch or two above a flat surface. Be careful though. Accidents are why backups are advised.

3.Place eggs back into glasses. Label each of the glasses 1 thru 3. *You will no longer need the fourth raw egg.

4.Cover one egg with water (this is your control to compare the other 1 2 3 eggs to), one with water and 3-5 drops of blue food coloring (this represents oxygen in a clean stream), and one with water and a mix of all three of your food coloring colors (this represents oxygen and added pollution to your stream). Gently mix.

5.Place the eggs back inside the fridge for another 24-48 hours. Observe & Record

Part 3: 1.Carefully remove the eggs from the substances and rinse them carefully with water. Place the eggs back inside the glasses after they have been properly washed or place them in new cups.

2. Use a toothpick to carefully pop each egg membrane. Record your observations in your observation log.

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures Observation Science Log Activity

Draw your observations in the chart below.

1 2 3

After Vinegar

After Food Coloring

1.Compare the eggs from the vinegar to the egg that still has its hard shell. Are they larger? Smaller? Are they softer? Harder? What happened when the 'rubber egg' was dropped onto the table?

2. What did each of the egg look like after it was opened with a toothpick? Did the eggs soak up the blue food coloring (oxygen)? What about the darker food coloring (pollution)?

3. Much like the chicken egg membrane, amphibian skin can also let certain things pass into their bodies. Unfortunately, a frog or salamander can't control what their skin absorbs. If they could, they wouldn't want to let pollution enter their bodies, right? So how can humans keep waters clean for amphibians?

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures Southern Salamanders Quiz Directions: Read each question carefully. Circle the answer that best answers the question.

1.What type of animal are salamanders? 6. How often do salamanders shed their a.mammal b. reptile skin? c. amphibian d. fish a. 3 times a week b. once a month c. once a week d. 3 times a year

2. Where can you find the highest 7.True or False: Most salamanders salamander diversity on Earth? need their skin to be moist so they can a.Southern Appalachian Mountains b r eathe. b. Northern Appalachian Mountains True False c. East coast d. West coast

3. Most salamander species that live 8. What are the reasons for in this region are______and breathe salamanders decline? Circle all that through their skin. apply. a.lungless b. eyeless a.habitat loss b. pollution c. legless d. earless c. invasive specie d. pet trade

4. What is a bioindicator? 9. Salamanders can hear with a. scientist that studies salamanders their______. b. an animal in the forest a.legs b. ears c. something that lights up c. stomach d. shoulders d. early warning sign to environmental problems

5. Why are salamanders so important? 10.True or False: Mudpuppies have Circle all that apply. red, bushy gills. This makes them a. they are apart of the food chain different than land salamanders. b. they return carbon back into soil True False c. they make nests in leaves d. their population can reflect the health of a forest.

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures Southern Salamanders Quiz Answer Key Directions: Read each question carefully. Circle the answer that best answers the question.

1.What type of animal are salamanders? 6. How often do salamanders shed their a.mammal b. reptile skin? c. amphibian d. fish a. 3 times a week b. once a month c. once a week d. 3 times a year

Southern Appalachian Awareness Campaign created by Mallory Lindsay of Ms. Mallory Adventures