Toad in Trouble

Purpose: To use science inquiry skills, critical thinking skills, and problem solving in an attempt to rescue the toad in the hole

Materials

• pencil
• science journal

Procedure

1. Read the following problem scenario:

   Help! Freddie, the tree house detectives' pet toad, has somehow left his comfy home inside the tree house and has fallen into a hole at the base of the tree. The hole must have been left behind when they pulled out the old sign post in front of the NASA SCIence Files™ tree house. The detectives really need your help to rescue Freddie because he's not only a special gift from Dr. D but also an endangered Golden Toad from Costa Rica.

   Here's a "leg-up" on the situation:

   • The hole is big enough to stick a hand and arm into, but it's more than three feet deep, so unless you have chimpanzee arms, you can't reach all the way down to the toad.
   • Amphibian's skin provides the animals with protective coloring, a defense against dry conditions and predators, and a way to absorb water and oxygen from their environment, so the use of sharp objects is out!
   • Toads have small hind legs, so the option of jumping out seems slim to none.
   • The toad is usually a nocturnal animal, hiding during the day in dark, damp, places and searching for food at night; therefore Freddie won't last too long without some "grub" in his tummy!
   • Amphibians are ectotherms, which means they are not able to generate their own body heat, and cold air at night may leave the toad sluggish or, at times, in a state of reduced activity similar to hibernation.
2. Brainstorm ideas on how to rescue Freddie the Golden Toad and record your ideas in your science journal.
3. Write the solution to the problem by explaining how you would rescue the toad from the hole.
4. Share your solution with a friend or family member to see if they think it makes sense and if it really works!