Welcome to the PARC Amphibian and Reptile education resource page! We hope to use this space to include activities developed by our network and partners as well as by other other organizations. Please check back as we will add new resources as they become available.
Coloring/ Crafts
- Amphibian Lantern (video)
- Department of Defense PARC (DoD PARC) Coloring Book (PDF)
- Make a Toad Abode
- Origami jumping frogs (video)
Videos
- Amphibian Week by PARC
- Department of Defense PARC Species Profile Videos
- Toad, Frog, Pollywog! Amphibians Kids Song
- Maryland Reptile and Amphibian Identification video
Quick Activities
- Amphibians vs Reptiles (PDF) – explore the differences between amphibians and reptiles
- Amphibian Scavenger Hunt (PDF) – head outside and look for amphibians and habitat that supports them
- Can it be real? Southeastern Salamander edition (PDF) – learn about diversity of different salamanders in the Southeastern United States
- Can it be real? Eastern Amphibian & Reptile edition (PDF) – learn about the diversity of amphibians and reptiles in the Eastern United States
- I am a Herpetologist
- Nature Bingo by MassAudubon (for all seasons!)
- Frog Talk (Eastern edition; PDF) – learn about different frog and toad calls in this fun icebreaker activity
- Turtle Activity Pack (PDF)
Lesson Plans
- Diamondback Terrapin Living on the Edge Board Game
- Salamander Habitat Hunt (PDF)
- Grades 3-8: Learn about and explore different habitat needs of local salamander species. Head outside and investigate habitat suitability and determine ways to improve habitat for local salamanders.
- Grades 3-5 Habitat Evaluation Form (PDF)
- Grades 6-8 Habitat Evaluation Form (PDF)
- Marvelous Marbled Salamander Migration (PDF)
- Grades 3-8: Learn about marbled salamanders and their amazing migration as well as threats they face along the way through this hands-on simulation.
- Marbled Salamander Pictures (PDF)
- Marbled Salamander Migration Stations (PDF)
- Turtles in Trouble (scroll down page)
- Grades 3-5: Examine the largest and smallest turtles found in Maryland and the threats they face. Compare the life cycle of a land and a sea turtle, then explore different scenarios turtles face to survive through hands on activities before students suggest actions to take to help turtles.
- Updated Habitat Tiles (2023)
- Updated Hazard Tiles (2023)
Curriculum/ Activity Guides
- Project WILD (K-12) Curriculum Supplement
- Available as online or in-person professional development. Activities that can be used to teach about amphibians and reptiles include Are you Me?, First Impressions, Keeping Cool, Turtle Hurdles, and more!
- Hop Into Action: The Amphibian Curriculum Guide for Grades K–4
- Awesome Snake Science by Cindy Blobaum
- Amazing Amphibians: 30 Activities and Observations for Exploring Frogs, Toads, Salamanders, and More by Lisa J. Amstutz
- Diamondback Terrapin Educators Guide
Outdoor Activities
Going outside to look for amphibians and reptiles is always a rewarding activity. However, it is also important to recognize certain field etiquette to ensure our herps are inadvertently being harmed in the process. Before heading outside, consider checking out our Intro to Ethical Outdoor Practices for some simple guidelines to consider. In addition, if you are taking students outside to inventory plants and wildlife on school or community grounds, check out this resource by Project WILD.
Another idea is to create habitat for ‘herps’ (reptiles and amphibians) in your backyard, at your school, or in a community space. Southwest PARC has a great guide for Creating Habitat for Reptiles and Amphibians. The National Wildlife Federation also has a page on Five Tips to Help Frogs and Toads in Your Yard.
Reading Resources
- Amphibian Adventures, Beyond the Vernal Pool Graphic Novel (PDF)
- NEW! Amphibian and Reptile Books for PreK-12 Students (Online spreadsheet)
Printable Resources
- Six Ways to Help Turtles (PDF)
- Turtles Losing Ground Poster– Help spread the word about threats that turtles face with our brand new Turtles Losing Ground poster. This poster was designed by Pam Meier and the Northeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (NEPARC) Turtle Working Group. There are two main options for receiving a poster:
- Purchase a poster or other merchandise from our Threadless Store.
- Request a digital file to print on your own. To help us keep track of interest/use, we are asking you to fill out the following form. Once we receive your request, we will email you the files to print.