63. Frogs Vs Toads and Other Herps in Spring: K-5 NGSS Activities

63. Frogs Vs Toads and Other Herps in Spring: K-5 NGSS Activities

From Naturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families by Victoria Zablocki, Elementary Teacher turned Outdoor Educator

March 30, 2026 · 19 min · Episode 63

About this episode

This episode discusses engaging K-5 activities related to frogs, toads, and other herps in spring, aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

By listener request: frogs vs toads and other herps in spring! Spring is a fantastic time to investigate reptiles and amphibians and today I'm sharing three interactive and engaging activities to hook your learners on these early spring risers! Tune in to hear descriptions for 3 frogs vs toads activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to frogs vs toads (or other herps), and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level. Frogs vs toads and other herps activities described in this episode include: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade: Salamander migration game 1st and 4th Grade: A vocal sac investigation with balloons 2nd and 5th Grade: A reptile and amphibian focused Bioblitz in different ecosystems Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 47: 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards Michigan Herp Atlas iNaturalist Frog Life Cycle and Grouping Mini…

People in this episode

Host: Victoria Zablocki

Topics covered

  • frogs
  • toads
  • amphibians
  • spring activities
  • NGSS
  • elementary education

Keywords

  • frogs vs toads
  • K-5 activities
  • Next Generation Science Standards
  • reptiles
  • amphibians
  • interactive learning
  • spring education

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Michigan Herp Atlas

Products: iNaturalist Frog Life Cycle and Grouping Mini Unit for 3rd Grade (ELA and Science Activities)

Books & works: Naturally Teaching Activity Index, Episode 47: 6 Vernal Pools and Frog Activities Aligned with K-5 Next Generation Science Standards, Frogs and Toads Together: Why Do Amphibians Group Up?, Frog Life Cycle Coloring Page (FREE)

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