A Little Bit More
Many people have seen tadpoles in pond and stream but few have taken the time to watch their progress from water to land and beyond. The transition of these animals from an aquatic to a terrestrial life is always interesting - progress from a fish-like animal to a creature with four legs is amazing.
In many cases, all it takes is a small amount of water that doesn’t dry up too soon in the summer to house tadpoles. Many of these ponds are temporary and in some dry years all of the babies may be lost. Temporary ponds are especially attractive to amphibians because they don’t have fish and are therefore much safer for tadpole development. Each year, there is a “race’ for tadpoles to accomplish their transformation before the water in their pond is gone. Over the long run however, enough survive to maintain a population in each area.
If you happen to have a wet area in your area, a wee bit of digging (deepening an area) can transform a wet bit of ground from a too-temporary pond into one that can provide a home for tadpoles. Frogs and toads are much more common than many people realize and if a small pond is available, it’s likely to be used by local amphibians.
Activities
Science & Art – Tadpoles
Objectives: Observe and document tadpole metamorphosis
Materials: Tadpoles, aquarium (container of some kind) and drawing supplies
The very best way to really understand the changes that tadpoles go through is to observe the process firsthand. This is an early spring project and one that not all can set up but it’s quite worth the effort. I’m providing two websites that will help you set up a mini environment for your tadpoles and then help you provide for their needs as they change.
As this process goes forward, have your students observe the animals closely and sketch them at frequent intervals. Be sure they keep and date their sketches so they can see the progression of the tadpoles.
It’s best to have tadpoles that are native to your area. If you get exotic species to do this project, be sure that you DON’T release them into your area when finished.
Raising Tadpoles
School tadpole project
Good info on raising tadpoles
Key Concepts
Structures and Functions, Life Cycles, Identification, Growth and Development, Adaptations and Diversity
Questions
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