Important Information (please read):

Scouts are required to have access to a computer/laptop with video & microphone access and reliable internet. Once registered, Scouts will be emailed a Zoom invitation no less than 24 hours before their class.

This class will be capped at 40 Scouts.

Electronic blue cards will be emailed to Scouts upon completion of the badge.

About this course: 

Instructor Name - Thomas Yang

Prerequisites:

8. Do ONE of the following:

a. Maintain one or more reptiles or amphibians for at least a month. Record food accepted, eating methods, changes in coloration, shedding of skins, and general habits; or keep the eggs of a reptile from the time of laying until hatching; or keep the eggs of an amphibian from the time of laying until their transformation into tadpoles (frogs) or larvae (salamanders). Whichever you chose, keep records of and report to your counselor how you cared for your animal/eggs/larvae to include lighting, habitat, temperature and humidity maintenance, and any veterinary care requirements.

b. Choose a reptile or amphibian that you can observe at a local zoo, aquarium, nature center, or other such exhibit (such as your classroom or school). Study the specimen weekly for a period of three months. At each visit, sketch the specimen in its captive habitat and note any changes in its coloration, shedding of skins, and general habits and behavior. Discuss with your counselor how the animal you observed was cared for to include its housing and habitat, how the lighting, temperature, and humidity were maintained, and any veterinary care requirements.
Find out, either from information you locate on your own or by talking to the caretaker, what this species eats and what are its native habitat and home range, preferred climate, average life expectancy, and natural predators. Also identify any human caused threats to its population and any laws that protect the species and its habitat. After the observation period, share what you have learned with your counselor.

9. Do TWO of the following:

a. Identify at night three kinds of toads or frogs by their voices. Imitate the song of each for your counselor. Stalk each with a flashlight and discover how each sings and from where.

b. Identify by sight eight species of reptiles or amphibians.

c. Using visual aids, give a brief talk to a small group on three different reptiles and amphibians.

This course will be completed in one session, Wednesday, January 19th, from 6-8:30pm.