# Choose Two Field Challenges

Part of the Reptile and Amphibian Study Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/reptile-and-amphibian-study/guide/index.md)

*9. Field Challenges*

> **9.** Do TWO of the following:

You must choose exactly **two** of these three challenges. Each one builds a different field skill: listening, visual identification, or teaching.

## Your Options

**[Req 9a — Listen for Frogs and Toads](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/reptile-and-amphibian-study/guide/req9a/)**: Head out at night, identify three kinds of frogs or toads by voice, imitate the calls for your counselor, and figure out how and where each animal is singing. This option builds listening skills and rewards patience near wetlands.

**[Req 9b — Identify Eight Species by Sight](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/reptile-and-amphibian-study/guide/req9b/)**: Spot and identify eight reptile or amphibian species visually. This option strengthens the field-mark skills you practiced earlier in the badge and works well if you can visit several habitats.

**[Req 9c — Teach a Short Talk](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/reptile-and-amphibian-study/guide/req9c/)**: Use visual aids to teach a small group about three different reptiles and amphibians. This option helps you organize what you know and communicate it clearly.

## How to Choose

**Choosing Your Two Challenges** — Pick the pair that matches your access, season, and strengths

- [ ] **Season and timing**: 9a works best in warm weather and at night near breeding areas.
- [ ] **Field access**: 9b is easiest if you can visit ponds, woods, trails, or nature centers more than once.
- [ ] **Confidence speaking to a group**: 9c is strong if you enjoy explaining things and making visuals.
- [ ] **What you will gain**: 9a sharpens your ear, 9b sharpens your eye, and 9c sharpens your voice as a teacher.

> **Tip**
>
> A balanced pair is often 9a plus 9c or 9b plus 9c. One gives you field experience, and the other helps you explain what you learned.

## Think Ahead Before You Commit

- If you do not have safe nighttime wetland access, 9a may be difficult.
- If the weather is cold and local herps are inactive, 9b may take longer.
- If you need a requirement you can prepare at home with steady practice, 9c may be the easiest to schedule.

## Keep Good Evidence

For either option you choose, keep notes. Your counselor will want more than a claim that you did it.

Useful evidence includes:

- field notes and dates
- sketches or photos
- a species list
- talk notes or slides for 9c
- descriptions of what made each identification reliable

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- Previous: [Study an Animal in Captivity](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/reptile-and-amphibian-study/guide/req8b/index.md)
- Next: [Listen for Frogs and Toads](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/reptile-and-amphibian-study/guide/req9a/index.md)