Guide 3 Development
Resources
Additional activities, a behind-the-scenes gallery, recommended books, and more.
About this Guide
Life Cycle of Learning
There are some things that come up again and again in your lifetime: how to treat a sore throat, when to plant the peas in the garden, totaling up a bill. Things you may have learned years earlier in school or through life experiences come back again and again, especially when you are teaching children and grandchildren. The key is to hang on to enough knowledge that you can access the rest. Hopefully the journal assignments will reveal aspects of your own life cycle of learning.
Lesley
Additional Activities
Make More Models
Once you start making models as part of this guide’s assignment, you will quickly realize that models come in many forms: planning lists, architectural models, clothing designs…the list is endless. Try making models related to your life interests that capture your unique perspective of the world.
Awesome Amphibians
At most pet stores you will find a wide range of fish, mammals, reptiles, and even birds. But the amphibians are in short supply. The same holds for museums and zoos. Spend some time getting to know the amphibians, the link between aquatic fish and terrestrial reptiles.
The Peacock Day Gecko (Phelsuma quadriocellata) has a lizard’s typical slim body and long tail. It moves quickly with a side-to-side undulation and adheres to smooth surfaces with highly textured feet.
This is an omnivorous tropical rainforest species from Madagascar and unlike many other gecko species, it is diurnal and assertive, making it successful in its native habitat and also as an invasive species.
The green coloration blends with tropical leaves and If you look closely at the sides, you can see the dark “peacock” spots that may act as eye spots to confuse potential predators.
Geckos are arboreal; climbing and sleeping above ground. This video has the basics of setting up a vivarium, giving an idea of some of the challenges of keeping reptiles. Also, it is difficult to guarantee the animals have been raised in captivity.
Peacock Day Geckos are territorial, so there is a chance they will harass each other in small tanks. They are also delicate-skinned for a reptile and jumpy, so are not easy to handle.
What is the draw of pets that can’t be …. pet? In the case of these geckos, they are curious and can learn a variety of behaviors, including habituating to humans and taking food out of the hand (carefully).
Research on this species is limited as it does not have significant economic value. Most reliable information comes from people who have successfully kept these animals for years. This form of enthusiast citizen science is becoming more impactful with sharing of information through online forums.
Behind-the-Scenes
Unusual Alliance
Our albino aquatic frog spends a lot of time with a male Betta fish. We don’t have an explanation, but it is an interesting relationship.
Big Appetite
Some amphibians have a large (and expensive) appetite. Ceratophrys (Pac-man frogs) can eat mice and other amphibians, and with good care can live up to 10 years in captivity.
A display linking concepts about life cycles.
Recommended Books
Its a classic with twists, turns, and controversies.
This may be a children's book, but the quirky art and inclusion of researchers like Rosalind Franklin make it a winner for all ages.
Be ready in the field for the occasional amphibian (and reptile) sightings.
Build a Library
Whether its digital or print, collect resources that assist in exploring, describing, and explaining the natural world.
Development Product Page
Complete this guide’s products before advancing on to the next guide
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3: Development