Every kid knows about frogs.
Creating a simple key to the frogs of Maine introduces the concept of classification, and leads smoothly to a comparison of field guides and discovery of their purpose and usefulness. Birds, mammals, insects, trees, and even rocks come in a variety of forms, each with special differences and a specific name. Maine frogs are usually found in association with our wetlands, especially in Spring, but every biome, every habitat, has its own inter-related physical features and life forms. To illustrate the inter-relationships of the various species within a habitat, students can create viewing boxes which replicate the natural environment and give them a peek at the ecosystems of our world. Whether students create their first classification keys and personal field guides by charting the differences between Maine s various frogs, as shown in the first activity, or compare different flowers, leaves, or birds, a simple self-generated key is the first step toward awareness of the systems used in field guides.