How Are Frogs an Indicator of the State of Our Environment?

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Briefly describe the situation concerning Councilman Pierce when you first get to your new job?

How are frogs an indicator of the state of our environment?

List the four factors that could account for the decline in the frog population at SlowWaterPark?

Give a brief summary of the results seen in the graph found in Marjorie Mol’s notebook. For more details about the graph, click on it. Note in what month the story is taking place.

What does Marjorie think may be the reason for the missing frogs?

When recording data, precede the entry with an (F) for fact or an (O) for opinion. As you read, record these facts and opinions on your notebook paper for future reference.

List the individuals and their occupations that Jason has found who may shed some light on the situation.

On the page that begins ‘George Sees Trouble’ in red type, note the link at the bottom right that says Call Katie the Librarian. This is valuable. Click on it and read through the items, making notes on your notebook paper. Don’t overlook recent weather events, facts about Ranaviridiana, facts about Cane Toads, and information about where the water from SlowWaterPark goes once it leaves the pond and the source of the water that feeds Slow Water Pond.

Now it is time to visit individuals to find out what they know (and think they know) about the disappearing frogs. First, visit Sandy Denim, Ranger. On your notebook paper, list each individual, their title, and the information you get from them. Remember to distinguish fact (F) from opinion (O). Also note what you see as well as what you are told. Some people can only be visited at a certain time of day (this is noted at the bottom, under their name), such as Roger Collar, who is only available at noon. Keep track of the time at the top of the page so you can talk to everyone.

When you visit Deepti Gupta, be sure to talk with her neighbor, Sam Holt. Note what you see while in his back yard.

When visiting Skullbaby, click on the links on her page. Pay particular attention to the cane toad site where it says, “Kukkaburra Killer.”

So, now you are ready to give your report to Councilman Pierce who has a press conference scheduled for two o’clock. Review the facts and opinions you have collected:

• How did the eggs you saw in the pond compare with the description of Ranaviridiana eggs and Cane Toad eggs?

• Does anything you have read account for the pets that are found dead and frothing at the mouth?

• Why would bats possibly not be competing for food with Ranaviridiana?

• What did the results of the water quality tests tell you?

• What happened with the effort to release Rainbow Trout into the pond?

• This is not one of the choices, so don’t get confused. If the heavy rain four weeks ago washed away some of the eggs and tadpoles of Ranaviridiana, where might you look for increased populations of this species?

• Write what you think happened to the young frogs and support your conclusions with facts from the interviews and observations you made. Use complete sentences and continue on the back if you run out of space.