Explore Your Local Frogs
Introduction
Frogs are a great way to check how healthy a waterway is. In this activity, Scouts will visit a local waterway, listen for frog calls, and record them using the FrogID app. The recordings will help scientists track frog populations and water quality. This is a fun and easy way to help protect nature while learning about local wildlife.
What you'll need
- A smartphone with the FrogID app (Download here)
- A notebook and pen to take notes
- A torch or headlamp (if doing the activity at dusk)
- Suitable outdoor clothes and sturdy shoes
- Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle
Before you begin
- Talk about why healthy waterways are important
- What animals rely on clean water?
- How does pollution harm frogs?
- What problems do frogs face?
- Where does your local water come from, and where does it go?
- What is the history of the waterway? Are there Indigenous Australian or European connections to it?
- Choose a waterway to visit – ponds and wetlands are best
- Do a safety check – make sure everyone stays SunSmart and safe near water
- Download the FrogID app on a phone. Scouts can also join the Scouts Victoria FrogID group to see who can record the most frogs!
Activity
- Arrive and get settled
- Sit quietly by the water
- Close your eyes and listen – what animals can you hear?
- Find and identify frogs
- Do not touch any frogs – this can harm them and spread diseases
- If you hear frogs, use the FrogID app to match their calls
- Observe their behaviour
- Where are the frogs calling from?
- In the middle of the water?
- Hiding in bushes?
- Near the water’s edge?
- Where are the frogs calling from?
- Record and share
- Use the FrogID app to record the frog calls and submit them
- Check your results – you might discover frogs you didn’t know were there!
Challenge Level
Intermediate
This activity suits all Scouts. Younger Scouts may need help with the app and frog identification.
Reflection
- Did you hear any frogs?
- How many different types of frogs did you hear?
- What did they sound like?
- Why do frogs call?
- What can we do to keep our waterways clean for frogs?
- Are there local groups working to protect this waterway? Could your Scout Unit help?