Awesome Amphibians! What’s the Problem?

Series of Events Ready, Set, Discover – Program Elements 1.Meet the Problem (at the school) 2.Wild Wise Program and Zoo Exploration (at Woodland Park Zoo) 3. Wild Wise Outdoor Exploration (at a local park) 4.Sharing Solutions (at the school) 5.Visiting zoo with family and friends

Woodland Park Zoo Why are we working with Woodland Park Zoo? What does WPZ have to do with amphibians? –Local projects –Global projects –Species survival plan –Connecting the community to conservation efforts

Introduction to the Problem While you read the letter from Woodland Park Zoo please pay special attention to the following: What is the problem? How do you know this is a problem? Who is responsible for solving this problem? What is your job?

Meet the Problem Letter Dear Kent School District Fifth Graders, Washington's wetlands are quickly disappearing, and with them our native amphibians, such as frogs and toads. Wetlands cover approximately 938,000 acres in Washington State, or about 2 percent of the state's total land. Since the 1780s, Washington State has lost 31% of its wetland areas, from 1.35 million acres to 938,000 acres. Wetlands are critical to our native amphibians and the overall health of our watersheds. Once common and widespread in the wetlands of the Puget Sound area, Oregon Spotted Frogs are now endangered in Washington state and were recently listed as endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act. The ultimate goal of Woodland Park Zoo’s Northwest Amphibian Recovery Project is to increase wild populations of this frog, and to re-establish it in the Puget Sound area. Woodland Park Zoo believes that the powerful combination of local action and federal protection will build a better future not only for this amphibian, but for many other wetland species. On a global scale, more than 1,900 species of frogs, toads and salamanders — fully 30 percent of the world’s amphibians — are at risk of becoming extinct. In order to save the world’s amphibians, we need to quickly learn more about their needs. The future of amphibians isn't just in the hands of scientists and government officials; you can play an important role in saving this important group of animals. Woodland Park Zoo is asking for your recommendations on how we, as a region, can take action to help native amphibian species thrive. In order to accomplish this you will need to understand many ethical and environmental issues related to amphibian and human interactions in our community. Sincerely, Woodland Park Zoo

What do you already know? What do you know about this issue? Species: Location: Problem: Our role: Knowledge you already had:

What do you Need to Know? What do you need to learn in order to solve this problem?

Meet the Problem Video While watching the video pay attention to the following : What is the problem? What evidence do you have? Why should you care? What is your job?

What do you know? What do you know now? Do you need to expand on any of these topics? Species: Location: Problem: Our role: What further information did you gain?

What do you Need to Know? What further information do you need to solve this problem?

Discussion After reading through the letter and reviewing the video you have compiled a great list of things you already know and things you need to research. Your teacher will continue to guide you through the next steps of solving this problem. We look forward to working with you on this problem and meeting you at Woodland Park Zoo!

Woodland Park Zoo saves animals and their habitats through conservation leadership and engaging experiences, inspiring people to learn, care and act. Woodland Park Zoo Mission Statement