An Introduction to Amphibians using Pokémon - Videos + Extension Activities

Amphibians are fascinating creatures - and so are Pokemon! This course is a great introduction to frogs, toads, salamanders, and the mysterious caecilians. Students will learn about the taxonomy of amphibians, and how they are classified into three Orders. Along the way, they'll compare these creatures to their Pokemon counterparts, and even design their own amphibian Pokemon.

▬▬▬▬▬▬ VIDEOS, ACTIVITIES, AND MORE ▬▬▬▬▬▬

• This course has four parts to it. Parts 1 and 3 consist of a downloadable video presentation hosted on Google Drive, along with some resources and project ideas to expand the students’ understanding. Parts 2 and 4 are a DIY Pokemon project designed to expand their learning outside of the world of Pokemon.

• In a regular school setting, these materials are ideal for reverse instruction or a flipped classroom unit. For instance, you can assign the video recording to watch at home for homework, and then use the extension activities for class projects. The recordings also work well for sub days and much-needed sanity days!

• If you are using these materials in a home school setting, you could choose to do one part per day or one part per week, doing the projects as time allows. Feel free to have your child email me at lauren.rae.ard@gmail.com, if they have any questions or want to share what they’ve done with the materials.

• This unit also includes a link to my notes and Prezi presentation I use throughout the course, in case you want to give some of the presentation, or expand on the material yourself. Please keep in mind that the video may not match up exactly with the notes and lecture materials, because I do alter and add to my notes as time goes on.

▬▬▬▬▬▬ COURSE SUMMARY ▬▬▬▬▬▬

Part 1 (48 minute recording plus extension activities)

• Taxonomy

• Characteristics of Amphibians

• Habitat

• Salamanders

• Caecilians

Part 2: DIY Pokemon project inspired by a caecilian

Part 3 (39 minute recording plus extension activities)

• Frogs

• Toads

• The Amphibian Life Cycle

Part 4: DIY Pokemon project inspired by a unique frog species

▬▬▬▬▬▬ LEARNING OBJECTIVES ▬▬▬▬▬▬

By the end of the class, students should be able to:

♦ Describe the basic concept of taxonomy.

♦ List the characteristics that all amphibians share.

♦ Explain the life cycle of salamanders and newts.

♦ Explain the life cycle of frogs and toads.

♦ Compare/contrast salamanders with frogs/toads.

♦ Name the type/species of amphibian their favorite amphibian Pokemon is based on.

♦ Describe what a caecilian is.

♦ Recall some interesting facts about amphibians.