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