Thursday, August 4, 2011

Freakish Frogs

Based on a Webquest Designed by
Brenda Solis

Introduction
You are taking a nature walk with your friend and you decide to stop and look at the nearby pond. You hear the croaks get louder as you approach the water. You see the creatures hopping nervously as you walk by them. You grab one and observe what looks like a frog and yet it has 2 extra legs. Your friend catches 2 of them but one has only 1 leg.
What causes freakish frogs? Discover some exciting, disturbing, and enlightening ideas from different sources regarding the subject of frog deformities. Form opinions about your findings and have fun doing it! Then, share your opinions and your reactions with your classmates, your teacher, and the entire school.

The Task
Read and record important details about the freakish frog problem.
Discuss your findings in a small group and come up with a group decision about the causes of frog deformities.
Create a slide show or poster convincing the rest of the class about your idea of what really causes freakish frogs.



The Process
Accomplishing your task is a step by step process that requires your time, attention and cooperation. This may take as long as 3 weeks to complete.
In groups of 3 or 4, brainstorm possible causes of the freakish frog problem.
Read news articles and browse through the following web sites that your teacher has selected for you:

Web Sites That You May Want To Look At While Researching The Freakish Frog Problem:

Evidence of the problem
The Frog Deformity Problem
Deformed Frogs in the News
Freakish Frogs Trigger Big Mystery
The Discovery of Deformed Frogs
Studying Frogs in Ohio


Possible Causes



Deformed Frog Photos
Freakish Photos

Miscellaneous
Frog Sounds and Jokes

In your small group, each student should read articles that are different from what the other students are reading.This will give your group access to more information more quickly than if you all read the same information.

Individually write down all the important information. If you have a question about deformed frogs that you are having difficulty finding answers to, you may find what you need at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency -- Frog Information website.


Go back to your small group and share what you have found. Your notes should help.


Discuss what you think may be the real cause of the freakish frog problem. Make a group decision. Come to a consensus. Your group's decision may be different from other groups'. That's okay.  NOTE:  Your teacher will expect you to be able to explain what a "consensus" is, and describe how a group can work to achieve a "consensus."  Be sure that you read and understand this part.

Based on your decision, create a diorama showing an ideal environment that will prevent the frog problem from reoccurring. Be ready to explain how this environment is different from that of the ponds where the freakish frogs were discovered.

Your group should create a slide show or poster convincing the rest of the class about your idea of what really causes frog deformities.

Evaluation
Your teacher will evaluate you according to the evaluation rubric below. Make sure you do your best

Oral Presentation --
Accomplishes little of what is considered "exemplary".
Accomplishes some of what is considered "exemplary".
Accomplishes most of what is considered "exemplary".
Organized information, clear delivery, able to answer questions, and able to cite at least 5 facts.

Poster or Slide Show --
Accomplishes little of what is considered "exemplary".
Accomplishes some of what is considered "exemplary".
Accomplishes most of what is considered "exemplary".
Engaging pictures and text, accurate information that arouses the audience's interest and/or concern.


Diorama/Environment
Accomplishes little of what is considered "exemplary".
Accomplishes some of what is considered "exemplary".
Accomplishes most of what is considered "exemplary".
Contains all items frogs need to survive and a written explanation with a fact-based reason for the environment's design.


Conclusion
By completing the activities in this WebQuest unit, you will have made a difference in the life of freakish frogs. If you really applied yourself and accomplished all the steps in the process, you may even have made a difference in the lives of people!


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