Citizen science refers to research collaboration between scientists and citizen volunteers. Volunteers help scientists by collecting data and, at the same time, citizen volunteers gain access to scientific information that may affect their communities.
Use this sheet to help guide you as you use some online citizen science resources to research and learn more about frogs and toads in your area.
1. Type of frog or toad
2. How big is an adult?
3. What is its shape and color?
4. What does it eat as an adult? As a tadpole?
5. What kind of conditions does it need to live as an adult? As a tadpole?
6. Take a picture of the frog or toad and add it below or draw it.
Check with a park ranger or someone in your local zoo whether local frogs are in danger. Then try to find out on your own whether they might be in danger from any of the usual suspects: habitat destruction, water pollution, or climate change.
Search for these clues:
If you discover any of these clues, brainstorm with your friends and family and plan ways you can help your local frogs. You also can go to the Save the Frogs website at http://savethefrogs.com/how-to-help/ to find ways you can help protect frogs.
Definitely! Without frogs there would be lots more insects in the world eating our food crops and spreading diseases to plants, animals, and people.