Description
Some scientists think that the frog deformities might be caused by parasites found in the water. In this project, you will explore this idea by examining the evidence uncovered by scientists. Then you will decide whether or not you support the Parasite Hypothesis. As you carefully read and critique the evidence, try to figure out if each piece supports or contradicts the parasite hypothesis. During a classroom debate, you may be asked to defend this hypothesis.
This project gives more explicit information about the mechanism of the parasite hypothesis: observations and experiments by scientists; additional information about the complex life cycle of the trematode, some of which is spent in a tadpole; and Lefty the Frog, an important example that the parasite hypothesis has difficulty explaining. Students should be asked to consider how strong the evidence is, and what range of deformities the parasite hypothesis appears to be able to explain.
Website(s)
WISE the web-based inquiry science environment
Learning Context/Introduction
To fully utilize these and other free curricular materials available from WISE - the Web-based Inquiry Science Environment, visit their homepage and register for free to become a WISE member!
The Parasite Hypothesis
This project has been designed through a collaboration with middle school teachers, university biologists, and the KIE/SCOPE research team with the goal of bringing an engaging, current scientific controversy into the classroom.
The deformed frog problem is still being actively explored by scientists. This makes it a great opportunity for students to explore "science in the making" so they can develop a better appreciation of how scientific understanding evolves over time.
This project provides students the opportunity to investigate parasites as a possible cause of the observed frog deformities. It asks students to view web-based evidence and interpret whether it supports the parasite hypothesis. Students will be asked to write a letter to a scientist stating their opinions and questions about the parasite hypothesis as a culminating activity/assessment.
Essential Question
Could deformed frogs be caused by parasites?
Assessment
This project has associated assessment items, one of which will be presented to students when they first enter the project and again when they finish the project. You can view or print out these items with the links below:
- Teacher/Developer View
- Student Worksheet
Activity Sections
Please visit each section to view Learning Goals, Classroom Practice, and Curriculum Notes.
Printable Version
Duration
This project was designed for a middle-school level. However, it contains a number of complex concepts and links to supplemental materials that can be explored more in-depth by more advanced students. The Parasite Hypothesis is anticipated to take three fifty minute periods. The actual time requirement will depend upon your particular
implementation choices. You can use discussions and in-class activities to tailor the project in a way that is appropriate for your students.
Student WISE activities during the Parasite Hypothesis project include:
What are Parasites? (Day 1)
Trematodes and Frogs (Day 1)
The Life Cycle of a Trematode (Day 2)
Is the Mystery Solved? (Day 2)
Write to Scientists (Day 3)
Credits
Philip Bell, Duncan Parks, Linda Shear, Mimi Bisson, Brenda Davis, Julie Froehlig, Jennifer Gordon, Ramona Muniz, Judy Smith & Ronna Voorsanger, Denice Fischer-Fortier, Kalyn Shea & Glen Stevenson
Used with Written Permission
