Ravaging Reptiles
This TopicQuest was designed for Students
By Paige Fambrough, a Valdosta State University Preservice Teacher

 

There are four groups of reptiles alive today: turtles, snakes and lizards, the crocodile family, and the tuatara. Reptiles are vertebrates (they have backbones), and their young are usually born on land. When reptiles hatch from the eggs, they look like mini-versions of their parents. Their bodies are covered in dry, horny scales, which is good at keeping in body moisture, so they can live in dry places. The skin is less successful at keeping in body heat. All reptiles are cold-blooded animals, which why they warm themselves in the sun.

		This is a chameleons. Did you know chameleons change colors? Check out this link to learn more about chameleons.
		This is a snake . Have you ever seen a snake? Check out this link to look at different kinds of snakes.
		Turtles lay eggs as do most other reptiles. Their young babies hatch looking like small adult turtles. If you want to learn more interesting facts about reptiles or any other animals, this link to Yahooligans is awesome!
		This website has fun facts about alligators. For example, the sounds they make , how they swallow, and the process of hatching.
		This is a good encyclopedia to read about turtles. Did you know turtles have lived on Earth for more than 200 million years? All  you have to do is click on the link to find out more about turtles.
		This is a  green iguana. He is a interesting reptile and makes a great pet. Would you like a iguana for a pet?  All you have to do is click on the link to find out how to care for a iguana.

I want you to imagine that you are on a hike at The Okefenokee Swamp  looking for different types of reptiles. This place is packed with reptiles.  We don't want to disturb nature, so be very quiet.  You need to describe at least three reptiles you saw on your hike.  You need to explain and draw what they are doing and what they look like.  You could draw these reptiles showing characteristics that are found among reptiles.  Use your imagination to describe and draw the animals as best you can.  If you need a little help, you should revisit some of the links.  A very helpful link that you may want to go back to is theYahooligans Website.   You are able to learn all about different types of reptiles.  Good luck on your hike! Mission Steps Step1: We will explore the links and you will pick out three reptiles you are interested in. Paying close attention in how they are described and important details to better draw the reptiles. Step2: After we have explored several sites, we can go back to revisit and reveiw.  You will be able to identify the common componets of some repitiles. Step3: You should be able to draw their picture with at least three reptiles.  You will need to be able to explain and write two or three interesting characteristics about your reptiles. Step4: Share your picture with your teacher and other students.

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cpfambrough@valdosta.edu

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