The Concept: In this activity the children will revisit the life cycle of the tadpole and mealworm and learn that plants also go through a life cycle as they develop. Children will use a hand lens to compare a wet seed to a soaked seed and describe the physical properties. They will compare the size and shape and will remove the seed coat to reveal the new plant. Finally, seeds will be planted to begin their study of plants and gardening.
The Concepts: Students will learn how things grow and change. After discussing life cycles, children will examine how tadpoles grow and change into frogs and how mealworms grow into black beetles. Children will learn how to use a hand lens as they get up close by holding tadpoles found in containers of water at their table. They will also have a chance to see tadpoles with legs as they transition into frogs. In weeks to come, the mature frogs will be seen by the students.
Find tadpoles in local ponds and put them in the pond water in plastic shoe boxes. Have test tubes or small water bottles on hand for children who do not want to touch the tadpoles. You will also need hand lenses.
Frogs start out as tiny tadpoles. As they grow, they change. First they start out as a tiny egg, then they look like a little fish with a tail. As they grow, they develop two front legs. When the tail gets long and falls off, they will grow two more legs in the back. Soon, they will grow and turn into a frog. (Show photos of the stages of development).
