1. Insert your name and the date into the header and save the file into your H: drive (Word Processing folder). 2. Use 1.5 line spacing. Then select the whole document and apply the Arial font and justify the document (HINT: this is a type of alignment) 3. Insert an appropriate clipart (or picture from Google). 4. Format the heading with WordArt (customised) 5. Add a Page Border 6. Delete these instructions, then Print and hand in

EXTENSION: [Insert] a footnote, and a relevant definition, for each of the following words: hibernate; predators; loreal pits; mammals; venom; camouflage. HINT: Use Ctrl F to find the words. In google, type define: hibernate etc to get a list of definitions

Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes are the most common poisonous snake in the United States and Canada. The first part of the scientific name for all rattlesnakes is Crotalus or Sistrurus. Both of these words mean rattle-tail.

When a rattlesnake becomes angry its tail shakes, making a buzzing or hissing sound. All snakes must shed their skin to grow, and each time a rattlesnake sheds its skin the rattle gets longer. In an adult the rattle can reach 5cm or more.

Snakes are cold-blooded which means they are only as warm as the air around them unless they can find a place to sun themselves. In cold areas rattlesnakes hibernate. Scientists believe snakes cannot see or hear well. Rattlesnakes are predators so they use their tongue instead of their eyes and ears to sense what is near them. They have small pits between their eyes and nose called loreal pits which allow the snake to detect warm prey even at night.

Rattlesnakes eat small mammals like rats and mice but they can also eat lizards, frogs and birds. They usually strike and let go as their venom works quickly and their prey do not escape. However, if they attack birds they hold on, as birds can fly too far after being bitten for the snake to find them again. Camouflage is the rattlesnake's best defence. It can be difficult to see one when it is lying quietly on the ground.