March of the Newts
Running time: 5 minutes. 2018
A Migration of Salamanders
Watch the slow, measured walk of Rough-Skinned Newts across the forest floor, and their antics swimming in the stream, to appreciate these small amphibians and the importance of the varied habitats where they live.
-
Applicable Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) by grade level include:
Grades 3-5
LS1 From Molecules to Organisms: Structures & Processes
LS2 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy & Dynamics
LS4 Biological Evolution: Biodiversity & Humans
ESS3C Human Impacts on Earth Systems
Middle School
LS2 Ecosystems, Interactions, Energy & Dynamics
LS4 Biological Evolution: Biodiversity & Humans
ESS3-4 Earth and Human Activity
ESS3C Human Impacts on Earth Systems
ETS1B Developing Possible Solutions
High School
LS2 Ecosystems, Interactions, Energy & Dynamics
LS4 Biological Evolution: Biodiversity & Humans
ESS3C Human Impacts on Earth Systems
ETS1B Developing Possible Solutions
Crosscutting Concepts
Cause and effect, Stability and change, Systems and system models
-
Students will observe the migration of Rough-Skinned Newts to their breeding grounds in freshwater pools.
Students will learn about the potential threat of Bsal to North American amphibian populations.
-
Amphibian - Including frogs, toads, and salamanders, animals that are born in the water and typically have the capacity to live on the land as adults.
Newt - A type of semiaquatic salamander (subfamily Pleurodelinae) that alternates between aquatic and land habitats.
Rainforest - A lush environment associated with large amounts of precipitation, plant growth, and biodiversity.
Biodiversity - The total variety of all living organisms in a particular place.
Salamander Fungus - A fungus (Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, aka Bsal) that can infect and kill salamanders.
Watch the Film
In English. EN, ES closed captions optional (use 'CC' box in bottom control bar). Full screen viewing button on lower right.
Film Discussion and Reflection
-
In what habitats do Rough-Skinned Newts live?
What do Rough-Skinned Newts look like and how do they behave?
What is Bsal fungus and why is there concern about its spread?
-
Where would you go to try to find a newt?
What can people do to help prevent the spread of Salamander Fungus?
What else did you learn from watching this film?
Images available to download for educational and classroom uses. Access more freshwater imagery at the Freshwaters Illustrated Archive.
Extended Exploration
-
Amphibian Tales
Using amphibian resources from the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Wildlife Viewing webpages, invite students to discover answers to the following questions and share their findings in creative ways, such as by making an infographic, brochure, poster, postcard, mini-podcast, mini field guide, etc.
Questions:
How can you tell a newt from other types of salamanders?
Why do newts require moist environments
What salamanders live in our watershed? What are their habitat needs and how can we help protect them?
What is Bsal and what can we do about it?
How are the declines in salamanders a warning about environments worldwide?
Include at least one student-generated question.
Optional Activities
Do students need to walk a dog or just get outside? Invite them to walk near a local stream or wetland. They should check with an adult about safety first. While they are walking, students can:
1) Listen for frogs calling.
2) Look closely for migrating salamanders on land and in the water.
3) Record sounds and sights on their phones or on paper if weather permits.
Based on what students learn, survey your schoolyard and surrounding neighborhood for good amphibian habitats. Are there simple actions students can take to make habitats more friendly to amphibians and other species?
-
North American Bsal Taskforce - A team working to prepare, detect and respond to the lethal salamander pathogen.
National Wildlife Health Center Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) Page - A US Geological Survey NWHC page describing Bsal and its potential impacts
-
Related Pages and Lessons
Tags: click a tag to view other film pages related to that subject.
