ANALYZING

INTRODUCTION:

Imagine this scenario: You and your friends are biking along the Wolf river and stop to rest. As you casually explore the river bank, several small frogs leap into and out of the tall grasses near the waters edge. Your friend picks up a frog and notices that it is missing a hind leg. You find another frog that has only one eye. After another few minutes of searching, you find a frog with three feet attached to one of its hind legs.

A sense of uneasiness comes over you as you recall the many years you and your friends have biked, hiked, and swam in this area of the river. Could whatever caused these deformities be in the water you swim in or drink? As your golden retriever takes a long drink of river water, the knot in your stomach tightens.

YOUR TASK:

Your task in this Web Quest is to investigate a similar real-life scenario. In your investigation, you will:

• review current findings of scientists
• assume the role and viewpoint of a particular scientist
• present your hypothesis to the class

THE PROCEDURE

1. Use the RESOURCE LIST below to review the current findings of various scientists and students in regard to these deformities. These findings include descriptions of experiments, maps, data, and opinions of experts in their respective fields.

2. Working in groups of four, each " Quester" will assume the role of one of the experts. Therefore, in each group, all four hypotheses relating to the cause of the mutations are represented. It will be your job to become fully acquainted with that experts viewpoint on the cause of the mutations. Again, use the RESOURCE LIST to gather this information.

3. As a group, your team of experts will present their findings to the class. Each expert will have between three to six minutes to present. Each presenter should include at least one chart or graph that relates to the data presented in the RESOURCE LIST. This chart or graph could be hand drawn or computer generated or even an overhead transparency.

RESOURCES:

Live Cam on Deformed Frogs: Minute to minute images of laboratory frogs.

New Findings on Deformed Frogs in Minnesota: Press Conference on 9/30/97. Results of FETAX lab tests on Minnesota water.

Mystery of the Deformed Frogs: Images of deformed frogs and statements from Drs. David and Susan Gardiner relating the deformities to retinoids.

How Are the Frogs? Scientists are concerned about a reported decline in numbers of amphibians

Effects of UV Radiation: Oregon State University researchers find that natural sunlight contains enough ultraviolet-B radiation to kill amphibian embryos.

Freaky Frogs In Minnesota: Various frog experts discuss current theories regarding Minnesota frog mutations.

Rachel's research paper on the frogs: Go to Index #515 to read how one researcher relates frog deformities and human birth defects.

Deformed Frog Research ( Hartwick College): More insight into the four major hypotheses on why the frogs are deformed.

Maps of Malformation Reports: State and county data tables of deformities

Minn. H.S. research team: New Country H.S. students share their discovery experiences

ASSESSMENT: A rubric's assessment device will be used as a self-assessment and teacher assessment for each student. To view the areas to be assessed and the relative point values click here.

CONCLUSION:

Research is often open-ended in that the data often doesn't point to one clear and concise answer or conclusion. Often, more data must be collected over a longer period of time or other possible variables must be explored. In the case of the deformed frogs, you have had a chance to assume the role of researcher and scientist in order to get a small taste of the scientific process.

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