X is for xenopus

We studied frogs today, using the xenopus frog as our X word. We also looked at X-rays in our World Book encyclopedia. It was fun. While talking about frogs, we talked about tongues. Then we drifted off to talk about our tongues. While talking about how our tongues work, I remembered an experiment that I found in Kid's National Geographic (thanks for the subscription, Effie!). We took some yummy Jelly Belly Jelly Beans, because their flavors are so accurate. Then, you plug the child's nose, and put the jelly bean into their mouth. When they can't breathe, all they can taste is sour, sweet, or bitter. (and spicy as Zach pointed out). Then, with that same bean in their mouth, let go of their nose...then they will taste the flavor of the bean. The look of amazement that crosses their faces is awesome. They learn the importance of the senses working together. Fun, fun.

Zach's rendering of a xenopus frog.

A real xenopus frog.

I've also found out that you can purchase frogs with transparent skin, so that you can watch their organs work (no dissection!) and have a pet to take care of. They are about $30, but I think it's a pet I may be willing to bring into the house. Just make sure your state doesn't outlaw exotic pets, as the species is African, and some states, like Montana, won't let you buy one legally.