The Life Cycle of A Cane Toad

Introduction

Welcome to The Life Cycle Of A Cane Toad

Description: Cane toads are amphibians that are native to the southern parts of the United Sates of America and the northern parts of South America. When they were introduced to Australia they became a pest.

Let's explore and learn about the life cycle of the cane toad.

Stage: 2

Curriculum: Science

Key words: amphibian, eggs, tadpoles, metamorphose, poison, venom

Author: M. Tonks

Task

For the purpose of this task you will become Wildlife Rangers who are responsible for educating the public to the dangers of cane toads! You will work in pairs to answer the questions and complete the tasks below. Read the information carefully to gather all the facts and collaborate to create a Glogster or Prezi presentation about the cane toad.

Process

Activities

Step 1: Watch the video on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXf8qNGXmV0 Make notes by writing key words on the worksheet provided.

Step 2: Visit the National Geographic website listed and read about the cane toad. Be sure to watch the video also. http://kids.nationalgeographic.com.au/kids/animals/creaturefeature/cane…You may also find the following website interesting so have a look at: http://www.environment.gov.au/resource/cane-toad-bufo-marinusStep 3: After your visits to the websites answer the following questions about the toad:1. What are the stages in the life cycle of a toad?2. Explain what happens in each stage of the life cycle of a cane toad.3. Sketch the life cycle of the cane toad and label each stage correctly.3. What is the name of the process that a cane toad goes through when it changes from an egg to an adult?4. Describe the diet of a cane toad. 5. Why is the cane toad a pest in Australia? 6. How do cane toads protect themselves from predators?7. Describe a possible solution to the problem of cane toads.8. Think of a better use for the cane toad in modern day Australia. Step 4: Create a group Prezi presentation or Glogster presentation to be presented at the end of the term.In your presentation you are required to include the following, but feel free to include additional information as you see fit. Name of the animal and a brief description-habitat, location, diet, life cycle etc. Interesting facts about the species .Population estimates or survival trends of species.Reasons the species is a pest.Reasons that it is important to manage the population and prevent the species from spreading to other parts of Australia.Possible solutions to reduce the population, prevent the toads from spreading or eradicating the species altogether.How people can help. Now let's hop to it rangers! There's no time to waste.Think creatively and make sure your presentation helps others learn about this terrible pest.

Evaluation

Evaluation Rubric

	Beginning	Developing	Very Good	Exemplary	Score

Research/ Process	Does not stay on task. Little/no notes were turned in.	Stays on task most of the time. Notes were unorganized and lacked information.	Stays on task and turns in an appropriate amount of notes in an organised format.	Makes great use of time and is actively engaged. Notes are detailed and very organised.	10

Content knowledge of animal being researched	Does not answer all 8 questions listed under Step 3 and much of the information presented is confusing and/or incorrect.	Answers the 8 questions but some answers are confusing or incorrect.	Provides detailed answers to all 8 questions but does not give any extra knowledge than is required.	Thinks critically and answers all 8 questions reflecting a deep knowledge and understanding of information gathered.	10

Teamwork	The work was not divided equally and one person did more than his or her fair share of the assignment.	Team members produced work for the project, but one did considerably more work than the other.	Team members worked collaboratibvely and contributed work to the presentation and construction of the Prezi/Glogster.	The work was evenly divided between each student and each person participated equally in the presentation.	5

Prezi Presentation/Glogster	Lacks organization and structure. Students are not engaged in the subject matter. No eye contact. Read directly from notes.	Minimal engagement and eye contact. Some organisation but no transitions between topics.	Students are engaged in the subject and maintain enthusiasm and eye contact throughout the presentation. Prezi/Glogster is well organised, informative and visually appealing.	Students are enthusiastic about the project. They maintain eye contact and use expression when speaking. Prezi/Glogster is well organised, informative and visually appealing.	15

Total: 40

Conclusion

This concludes the Life Cycle of a Cane Toad Webquest. Take the information you have researched and create a Prezi or Glogster with your partner. Additional Resourceshttp://www.environment.gov.au/resource/cane-toad-bufo-marinushttp://kids.nationalgeographic.com.au/kids/animals/creaturefeature/cane…http://www.frogwatch.org.au/index.cfm?action=cms.page&section=1