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Tracking Nature

Activity

Finding Clues Left by Frogs, Toads, and Snakes

Look closely (but gently!) for places where amphibians or reptiles might leave behind signs of their presence. Can you find shed snake skin caught on a fence, tree bark, or rock? Look for tiny frog tracks near puddles, or listen for toad calls after a rain. Use a magnifying glass or just your eyes to examine anything you find. Record what you notice, like texture, pattern, color, and guess what kind of animal might have left it behind.

Science Seed

Reptiles and amphibians shed their skin as they grow bigger. Snakes usually shed their whole skin all at once, turning it inside out like a sock, while lizards lose their old skin in smaller pieces. Frogs and toads also shed their skin, but they often eat it afterward to get back important nutrients. Shedding is important because it helps animals get rid of old or damaged skin, so their new skin underneath can be brighter, softer, and stretchier. This new skin helps them move better, hide from predators, and stay protected. Shedding happens because of special chemicals in their bodies called hormones, and things like changes in temperature, humidity, or stress can make them shed more often.

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Perez Elementary School

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

Perez Elementary School is named in honor of Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. Perez, who gave his life in service to his country. Perez is a supportive learning community with a focus on service. At Perez, we believe effort creates ability and all students will learn at high standards if they are given clear expectations, taught using best practices adapted to their unique needs and provided extra time and resources as needed. Perez students have numerous opportunities to serve their school, community and environment. They receive powerful instruction in the core curriculum areas, as well as in technology, art, music, physical education, and health.

This project was made possible by The Powell Foundation.