Meeting the Standards with Vanishing Frogs

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Catherine E. Matthews, Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to explain how to introduce high school students to the issue of declining amphibian populations by reading the book, Tracking the Vanishing Frogs: An Ecological Mystery (Phillips 1994) and playing a game based on concepts introduced in this book. In this article we present a teaching/learning activity in which high school biology and environmental science students practice both reading comprehension and graphing skills, important skills stressed by recent educational reform efforts (NRC 1996). The National Science Education Standards suggest actively engaging students in inquiries that interest them and relate to current science topics (NRC I996). The issue of global decline of frog populations has proven both interesting and important to our students. Engaging in the activities suggested in this article presents an opportunity to enhance students' understanding of possible outcomes of human disturbances in the natural environment, the interdependence of organisms, and the nature of scientific inquiry.

Additional Information

Publication
The American Biology Teacher, 63 (5), 352 – 357
Language: English
Date: 2001
Keywords
Declining amphibian populations, High school biology, Natural environment, Interdependence of organisms

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