Did you know that a variety of frogs and toads live at the Nature Museum? We even have an endangered species of frog, called the wood frog, that our scientists are working to save! But you don’t have to go the Museum to see and learn about these amazing animals. Read on for more about today’s toad-ally fun topic!
How do frogs swallow their food?
We’ve seen lots of videos of frogs catching their food using their long tongues…but have you ever seen a frog swallow its food? They actually use their eyes! Click here for a short video and information.
Guiding Question: Can you think of other animals that might eat their food this way? Why do you think they have to do that? How is it different from how you swallow your food?
Can you match the frog to the call?
Did you know that different frogs have different calls? It’s not as simple as ribbit! Click here to download our printable frog and toad flashcards. Then click the following links to play their calls. Can your little ones can match the frog to its call?
Guiding Question: Why do you think different frogs have different calls? How does it help them in the wild? Did any of the calls surprise you? Why?
What’s the difference between a frog and a toad?
You might think that frogs and toads are completely different animals, but they’re not! Toads are actually a classification of frog. The easiest ways to tell them apart are their skin and their location. Frogs often have moist skin and are most often seen in or near bodies of water. Toads often have dry, bumpy skin, and are more often seen in lawns away from water.
Guiding Question: Have you ever touched a frog? What did it feel like? How about a toad? What are similarities between frogs and toads? What are some differences?
Make your own frog
Now that you’ve met a few frogs, have your little ones make a frog friend of their own! All you’ll need is a paper plate, paint (or markers or crayons), glue, and some paper. Click here for the details.
Guiding Question: How is the frog we’re making different from the frogs we’ve talked about? How is it similar?
Frogs call North Pond home
As the weather gets warmer, the frogs that live in bodies of water will begin to emerge! In fact, American bullfrogs and green frogs are some of North Pond’s most vocal residents. But they have to watch out for birds, turtles, and other predators!
Guiding Question: Do you remember seeing frogs in the pond by the Nature Museum? What do you think they eat? Do you think they have any predators in the pond?
Behind the scenes!
Our frog expert Dr. Allison spends a lot of her time working with frogs, salamanders, and snakes! Even though it’s still cold outside, she’s already doing fieldwork. When she finds cool animals, we share them on our social channels. In the meantime, you can also check out last year’s fieldwork in our Fieldwork Instagram Highlight.
Have a question for Dr. Allison or one of our scientists? Just respond to this email and let us know!
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