Citizen Science Lesson Plan: Michigan Herp Atlas

Help record sightings of amphibians and reptiles in Michigan. This helps provide needed data about the
conservation practices of Michigan's regions. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and its various
partners need your help to monitor the entire state.
http://scistarter.com/project/816-Michigan%20Herp%20Atlas

Content Standards
GLCE.S.IP.06.12: Design and conduct scientific investigations
ISTE 1.D: Model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with
students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments
Learner Background
Students must be knowledgeable about amphibians and reptiles
o Amphibian: Cold-blooded vertebrate that is typically living on land but can
also live in water.
o Reptile: An animal that has cold blood, lays eggs, and has a body covered with
scales
Students must be knowledgeable of the components of the scientific method:
o Observations
o Questions
o Hypothesis
o Experiment
o Results
o Conclusion
Assessment
Students will be graded on their ability to design an investigation dealing with
amphibian and reptile sightings in the area (see handout below)
o Instructors should choose an area on school grounds where
amphibians/reptiles may be present. For this plan, students will travel to the
wooded area on school grounds.
Materials/Resources
Investigation worksheet
o https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1gANbLU7hbRM1pWdkU2ZFRoRlE/edit
Science journal
Classroom camera
Internet access
Learning Activities
Initiation (Whole group)
o Begin the lesson by presenting the students with information regarding
amphibians and reptiles in Michigan
http://herpsofmichigan.webs.com/

What types of reptiles/amphibians do students most commonly see in

the area (their home, cities, school, etc.)?
Ask students to brainstorm some reasons why they see
reptiles/amphibians in the areas mentioned above.
o Present students with the following link to show which types of amphibians
and reptiles are found in the area where you live
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/ummz/herps/mherps/default.asp
Lesson Development (Small groups)
o Students should work in groups of 4 to answer one of the following questions
using the scientific method:
What time will I be most likely to see an amphibian or reptile
Will I see more amphibians and reptiles if it is raining?
Will I see more amphibians and reptiles if it is above 60 degrees?
Would I have a better chance of seeing a reptile or amphibian if it is
sunny?
o Over the course of a week, students should go to the wooded area at the
school record the following in their science journal.
Temperature
Weather
Location
Time/date
Any reptiles or amphibians that are observed in the area
Students should alert instructor when reptiles/amphibians are
found. Instructors should take pictures of found
reptile/amphibian.
Closure (Whole group)
o Introduce students to the Michigan Herp Atlas
The purpose of the Michigan Herp Atlas Project is to collect
observation data about Michigan's native amphibians and reptiles so
we can document their distribution and changes in their populations
statewide. To date, there has not been a statewide survey or complete
history of Michigan's herp populations. The Michigan Herp Atlas
provides a statewide, publicly accessible, editable database for the
state of Michigan. Through the database, citizens can record their own
past and present observations to help assess changes in populations
over time and measure species health.
o Upload student data to the Michigan Herp Atlas
http://www.miherpatlas.org/files/miherp-instructions.pdf