LIFE CYCLE OF A FROG – Shape, Colour Mixing

Students will be able to:

• create a model of the four stages of the life cycle of a frog;
• accurately mix light and dark green;
• use the model to present the stages of the life cycle of a frog;
• demonstrate technical accomplishment and creativity;
• support their ideas with evidence found in the works.

Have students:

• do independent research for a different life cycle of another amphibian, bird or animal;
• share their results in small groups;
• use a box such a shoe box or cereal box with one side side cut off to create a home for either the frog or the other researched animal/bird.

1. Download the diagram of the life cycle of a frog from the Internet,
   Frog
2. Gather and make available picture books about frogs, for example, Frog and Toad, by Arnold Lobel; Two Frogs, by Chris Wormell;The Life Cycle of a Frog, by Bobbi Kalmar; Fabulous Frog, by Martin Jenkins.
3. Prior to this lesson teach the stages of the life cycle of a frog (egg, tadpole, froglet and adult). 
4. Organize the materials required for this lesson in containers for easy distribution.
   - yellow, blue, white and black Model Magic
   - rollers and round cookie cutters
   - toothpicks
   - tracers for arrows (Downloads – Arrow_tracers.pdf)
   - small pieces of construction paper
   - small pieces of white paper for labels
   - Washable glue 
   - scissors
   - pencils and markers
5. Download and display the Colour and Shape Posters available on this website.
6. Prior to this lesson have students use primary colours of Model Magic to create a variety of new colours. 
7. Place students into groups of about 6 so they can share materials.

1. Read a book such as The Life Cycle of a Frog, by Bobbi Kalmar to review the stages.
2. Discuss the characteristics of each stage in the life cycle, and draw a diagram on a chart paper using symbols to represent the stages.
3. Introduce the challenge. 

1. Once all the models of the life cycle are done ask students to share in pairs or small groups.
   Ask them to:
   - Look closely at all the models and how they were made.
   - Share thoughts about the work.
   - Talk about how the colour green was created.
   - Talk about how the size changed from a froglet to a frog and how the Model Magic was used to show that change.
   - Talk about what was difficult about making the four stages.
   - Talk about what was satisfying about making these different stages
2. Ask some students to share their ideas with the whole class.
3. Ask students to use their model to describe the life cycle of the frog. Remind them to :
   - Speak with a clear voice;
   - Look at your audience; and
   - Hold the model to the side so you are facing the audience.
4. Display the stages so that students can view them as a body of work throughout the next few weeks.

1. Observe students as they work – thoughtful focus, discriminating, seeking more information, elaborating, experimenting.
2. Observe students as they discuss the various stages of the frog and how they use their model to enhance their presentation – speaks with a clear voice, looks at audience while speaking, holds model to the side, provides accurate information, answers questions from the audience effectively.
3. Observe students as they listen – looks at presenter, asks effective questions, supports ideas with evidence found in the model.
4. Use a checklist to track progress (Downloads - Model_tracking.pdf)
5. Have students use the self-assessment form to evaluate their work (Downloads - Model_self-assessment)