UP CLOSE WHAT MAKES a REPTILE? (PREK-1ST GRADES) Pre-Visit Information

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

UP CLOSE WHAT MAKES a REPTILE? (PREK-1ST GRADES) Pre-Visit Information UP CLOSE WHAT MAKES A REPTILE? (PREK-1ST GRADES) Pre-visit Information In this Up CLOSE program, a zoo naturalist brings live reptile ambassadors into your classroom for an interactive discussion about the characteristics defining the class reptilia – snakes, lizards, turtles and more. This program is designed to support Washington state science standards K-1 SYSA, LS1B, LS1D, and LS3C, and integrates well into curriculum units on animals, reptiles, habitats, and more. To help you and your students get the most out of this program, the following overview details the concepts covered, useful vocabulary, and suggestions for pre-and post-assessment activities. For even more activities and information, see the Reptiles & Amphibians teacher packet, available free with your Up CLOSE reptile program reservation. (Additional copies of the packet, or copies for schools or individuals not booking a program, can be purchased for $10 plus tax from the ZooStore or by calling 206-548-2500 ext. 1561.) CONCEPTS: The animals we classify as reptiles have three main characteristics in common: • Scaly skin, which can be soft, hard, smooth, rough, etc. • Ectothermia, commonly known as being “cold-blooded” • Do not have a larval stage when young (this is the primary characteristic that distinguishes reptiles from amphibians) Reptiles can be divided into groups in different ways, but the main groups are: • Snakes • Lizards • Turtles and tortoises • Crocodiles and alligators • Tuataras Your instructor will then introduce your students to two different reptile species (usually from two of the five groups), pointing out how they have all the three main reptile characteristics in common, but also have their own unique characteristics specific to their group and species. Which specific species will be discussed varies widely by individual animal availability, and is not known until the day of the program. Note: At the end of the program, the students will have an opportunity to touch one of the animals (providing their behavior throughout the program indicates they will be able to do so calmly and gently). The instructor will bring hand sanitizer, but you will also need to have your students wash their hands with soap and water following the program. VOCABULARY: Crocodile: A semi-aquatic reptile with legs that can be held either out to the sides like a lizard, or underneath for galloping. Different: Not very similar. Ectothermic/Cold-blooded: An animal that cannot control its body temperature internally, but must move to warm areas to warm up, and cool areas to cool down. (Ectothermic is the scientific term, cold- blooded is the common term.) Lizard: A reptile (with or without legs) having eyelids, outer ears, and a solid lower jaw. Reptile: A group of animals with scaly skin, ectothermia (cold-bloodedness), and no larval stage; includes snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles, etc. Scaly: Covered with thin, tough overlapping plates. Similar: Almost, but not entirely, the same. Snake: A legless reptile with no eyelids or outer ears, and with a divided lower jaw useful for stretching the mouth around large prey. Turtle: A reptile with a backbone modified into a shell. Tuatara: A nearly extinct group of reptiles having some characteristics typical of lizards and some typical of snakes. PRE- AND POST-ASSESSMENT: The following activity will provide you with an understanding of your students’ current knowledge of reptiles. In order to encourage their creativity and expression, remind your students that this exercise is not a test, but is a way of seeing what they already know and what they haven’t yet learned. Reptile Graffiti Wall: Materials: large sheet of butcher paper, tape (or other means of attaching the paper to the wall), markers, crayons and/or colored pencils Attach the butcher paper to an expanse of wall, and distribute drawing implements to the students. Ask the students to draw as many different reptiles as they can think of on the paper. After your program, use a different sheet for the post-assessment activity (or, if you used crayons or something else that won’t bleed through, you can use the back of the same sheet). Compare the pre-and post-assessment drawings with one another. Is there a wider variety of species represented? Are the drawings more accurate? KWL Chart: Materials: a marker and two (or more) large sheets of paper Divide a sheet of paper into three columns (or use three individual sheets). Label the columns/sheets “What we know about reptiles,” “What we want to know about reptiles,” and “What we have learned about reptiles.” Before your program, discuss as a group what the students think they know for certain, and what they’re unsure about (or simply have no idea about and would like to know). Afterwards, discuss and fill in the “What we learned” column. (This is a particularly valuable activity for helping younger students come up with questions to ask the presenter in the limited amount of program time available.) Questions about your Up CLOSE program? Please call 206-548-2424. .
Recommended publications
  • Do Worm Lizards Occur in Nebraska? Louis A
    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Papers in Herpetology Papers in the Biological Sciences 1993 Do Worm Lizards Occur in Nebraska? Louis A. Somma Florida State Collection of Arthropods, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/biosciherpetology Part of the Biodiversity Commons, and the Population Biology Commons Somma, Louis A., "Do Worm Lizards Occur in Nebraska?" (1993). Papers in Herpetology. 11. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/biosciherpetology/11 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Papers in the Biological Sciences at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Papers in Herpetology by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. @ o /' number , ,... :S:' .' ,. '. 1'1'13 Do Mono Li ••rel,. Occur ill 1!I! ..br .... l< .. ? by Louis A. Somma Department of- Zoology University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611 Amphisbaenids, or worm lizards, are a small enigmatic suborder of reptiles (containing 4 families; ca. 140 species) within the order Squamata, which include~ the more speciose lizards and snakes (Gans 1986). The name amphisbaenia is derived from the mythical Amphisbaena (Topsell 1608; Aldrovandi 1640), a two-headed beast (one head at each end), whose fantastical description may have been based, in part, upon actual observations of living worm lizards (Druce 1910). While most are limbless and worm-like in appearance, members of the family Bipedidae (containing the single genus Sipes) have two forelimbs located close to the head. This trait, and the lack of well-developed eyes, makes them look like two-legged worms.
    [Show full text]
  • WHO Guidance on Management of Snakebites
    GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF SNAKEBITES 2nd Edition GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF SNAKEBITES 2nd Edition 1. 2. 3. 4. ISBN 978-92-9022- © World Health Organization 2016 2nd Edition All rights reserved. Requests for publications, or for permission to reproduce or translate WHO publications, whether for sale or for noncommercial distribution, can be obtained from Publishing and Sales, World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia, Indraprastha Estate, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, New Delhi-110 002, India (fax: +91-11-23370197; e-mail: publications@ searo.who.int). The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement. The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters. All reasonable precautions have been taken by the World Health Organization to verify the information contained in this publication. However, the published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with the reader. In no event shall the World Health Organization be liable for damages arising from its use.
    [Show full text]
  • Habitat Selection of the Desert Night Lizard (Xantusia Vigilis) on Mojave Yucca (Yucca Schidigera) in the Mojave Desert, California
    Habitat selection of the desert night lizard (Xantusia vigilis) on Mojave yucca (Yucca schidigera) in the Mojave Desert, California Kirsten Boylan1, Robert Degen2, Carly Sanchez3, Krista Schmidt4, Chantal Sengsourinho5 University of California, San Diego1, University of California, Merced2, University of California, Santa Cruz3, University of California, Davis4 , University of California, San Diego5 ABSTRACT The Mojave Desert is a massive natural ecosystem that acts as a biodiversity hotspot for hundreds of different species. However, there has been little research into many of the organisms that comprise these ecosystems, one being the desert night lizard (Xantusia vigilis). Our study examined the relationship between the common X. vigilis and the Mojave yucca (Yucca schidigera). We investigated whether X. vigilis exhibits habitat preference for fallen Y. schidigera log microhabitats and what factors make certain log microhabitats more suitable for X. vigilis inhabitation. We found that X. vigilis preferred Y. schidigera logs that were larger in circumference and showed no preference for dead or live clonal stands of Y. schidigera. When invertebrates were present, X. vigilis was approximately 50% more likely to also be present. These results suggest that X. vigilis have preferences for different types of Y. schidigera logs and logs where invertebrates are present. These findings are important as they help in understanding one of the Mojave Desert’s most abundant reptile species and the ecosystems of the Mojave Desert as a whole. INTRODUCTION such as the Mojave Desert in California. Habitat selection is an important The Mojave Desert has extreme factor in the shaping of an ecosystem. temperature fluctuations, ranging from Where an animal chooses to live and below freezing to over 134.6 degrees forage can affect distributions of plants, Fahrenheit (Schoenherr 2017).
    [Show full text]
  • Serpent Symbols and Salvation in the Ancient Near East and the Book of Mormon
    Journal of Book of Mormon Studies Volume 10 Number 2 Article 8 7-31-2001 Serpent Symbols and Salvation in the Ancient Near East and the Book of Mormon Andrew C. Skinner Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jbms BYU ScholarsArchive Citation Skinner, Andrew C. (2001) "Serpent Symbols and Salvation in the Ancient Near East and the Book of Mormon," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies: Vol. 10 : No. 2 , Article 8. Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jbms/vol10/iss2/8 This Feature Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Journals at BYU ScholarsArchive. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of Book of Mormon Studies by an authorized editor of BYU ScholarsArchive. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. Title Serpent Symbols and Salvation in the Ancient Near East and the Book of Mormon Author(s) Andrew C. Skinner Reference Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 10/2 (2001): 42–55, 70–71. ISSN 1065-9366 (print), 2168-3158 (online) Abstract The serpent is often used to represent one of two things: Christ or Satan. This article synthesizes evi- dence from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Phoenicia, Greece, and Jerusalem to explain the reason for this duality. Many scholars suggest that the symbol of the serpent was used anciently to represent Jesus Christ but that Satan distorted the symbol, thereby creating this para- dox. The dual nature of the serpent is incorporated into the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Book of Mormon. erpent ymbols & SSalvation in the ancient near east and the book of mormon andrew c.
    [Show full text]
  • Ostrich Production Systems Part I: a Review
    11111111111,- 1SSN 0254-6019 Ostrich production systems Food and Agriculture Organization of 111160mmi the United Natiorp str. ro ucti s ct1rns Part A review by Dr M.M. ,,hanawany International Consultant Part II Case studies by Dr John Dingle FAO Visiting Scientist Food and , Agriculture Organization of the ' United , Nations Ot,i1 The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. M-21 ISBN 92-5-104300-0 Reproduction of this publication for educational or other non-commercial purposes is authorized without any prior written permission from the copyright holders provided the source is fully acknowledged. Reproduction of this publication for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without written permission of the copyright holders. Applications for such permission, with a statement of the purpose and extent of the reproduction, should be addressed to the Director, Information Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Viale dells Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome, Italy. C) FAO 1999 Contents PART I - PRODUCTION SYSTEMS INTRODUCTION Chapter 1 ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF THE OSTRICH 5 Classification of the ostrich in the animal kingdom 5 Geographical distribution of ratites 8 Ostrich subspecies 10 The North
    [Show full text]
  • Checklist Reptile and Amphibian
    To report sightings, contact: Natural Resources Coordinator 980-314-1119 www.parkandrec.com REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN CHECKLIST Mecklenburg County, NC: 66 species Mole Salamanders ☐ Pickerel Frog ☐ Ground Skink (Scincella lateralis) ☐ Spotted Salamander (Rana (Lithobates) palustris) Whiptails (Ambystoma maculatum) ☐ Southern Leopard Frog ☐ Six-lined Racerunner ☐ Marbled Salamander (Rana (Lithobates) sphenocephala (Aspidoscelis sexlineata) (Ambystoma opacum) (sphenocephalus)) Nonvenomous Snakes Lungless Salamanders Snapping Turtles ☐ Eastern Worm Snake ☐ Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus) ☐ Common Snapping Turtle (Carphophis amoenus) ☐ Southern Two-lined Salamander (Chelydra serpentina) ☐ Scarlet Snake1 (Cemophora coccinea) (Eurycea cirrigera) Box and Water Turtles ☐ Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) ☐ Three-lined Salamander ☐ Northern Painted Turtle ☐ Ring-necked Snake (Eurycea guttolineata) (Chrysemys picta) (Diadophis punctatus) ☐ Spring Salamander ☐ Spotted Turtle2, 6 (Clemmys guttata) ☐ Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus) (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) ☐ River Cooter (Pseudemys concinna) ☐ Rat Snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) ☐ Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus) ☐ Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) ☐ Eastern Hognose Snake ☐ Mud Salamander (Pseudotriton montanus) ☐ Yellow-bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta) (Heterodon platirhinos) ☐ Red Salamander (Pseudotriton ruber) ☐ Red-eared Slider3 ☐ Mole Kingsnake Newts (Trachemys scripta elegans) (Lampropeltis calligaster) ☐ Red-spotted Newt Mud and Musk Turtles ☐ Eastern Kingsnake
    [Show full text]
  • Snake Bite Prevention What to Do If You Are Bitten
    SNAKE BITE PREVENTION It has been estimated that 7,000–8,000 people per year are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States, and for around half a dozen people, these bites are fatal. In 2015, poison centers managed over 3,000 cases of snake and other reptile bites during the summer months alone. Approximately 80% of these poison center calls originated from hospitals and other health care facilities. Venomous snakes found in the U.S. include rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths/water moccasins, and coral snakes. They can be especially dangerous to outdoor workers or people spending more time outside during the warmer months of the year. Most snakebites occur when people accidentally step on or come across a snake, frightening it and causing it to bite defensively. However, by taking extra precaution in snake-prone environments, many of these bites are preventable by using the following snakebite prevention tips: Avoid surprise encounters with snakes: Snakes tend to be active at night and in warm weather. They also tend to hide in places where they are not readily visible, so stay away from tall grass, piles of leaves, rocks, and brush, and avoid climbing on rocks or piles of wood where a snake may be hiding. When moving through tall grass or weeds, poke at the ground in front of you with a long stick to scare away snakes. Watch where you step and where you sit when outdoors. Shine a flashlight on your path when walking outside at night. Wear protective clothing: Wear loose, long pants and high, thick leather or rubber boots when spending time in places where snakes may be hiding.
    [Show full text]
  • Lizard Facts Lizards Are One of the Biggest, Most Diverse and Widespread Groups of Reptiles Found on Earth
    Lizard Facts Lizards are one of the biggest, most diverse and widespread groups of reptiles found on Earth. They are found on all continents, except Antarctica. ▪ Lizard (suborder Sauria) refer to any of the more than 5,500 species of reptiles belonging in the order Squamata (which also includes snakes). They feature in a wide variety of colors, appearance, and size. ▪ It comprises 40 different families. According to the San Diego Zoo, there are currently over 4,675 lizard species, including iguanas, chameleons, geckos, Gila monsters, monitors, and skinks. Their ancestors appeared on Earth over 200 million years ago. ▪ Lizards are scaly-skinned reptiles that are usually distinguished from snakes by the possession of legs, movable eyelids, and external ear openings. However, some traditional (that is, non-snake) lizards lack one or more of these features. ▪ Due to their smooth and shiny appearance, some lizards can appear slimy or slippery. However, their skin – like all reptiles – is actually very dry due to a lack of pores to excrete water and oils. Class: Reptilia Higher classification: Scaled reptiles Kingdom: Animalia Order: Squamata Phylum: Chordata KIDSKONNECT.COM Lizard Facts MOBILITY All lizards are capable of swimming, and a few are quite comfortable in aquatic environments. Many are also good climbers and fast sprinters. Some can even run on two legs, such as the Collared Lizard and the Spiny-Tailed Iguana. LIZARDS AND HUMANS Most lizard species are harmless to humans. Only the very largest lizard species pose any threat of death. The chief impact of lizards on humans is positive, as they are the main predators of pest species.
    [Show full text]
  • Meet the Herps!
    Science Standards Correlation SC06-S2C2-03, SC04-S4C1-04, SC05-S4C1-01, SC04-S4C1-06, SC07-S4C3-02, SC08- S4C4-01, 02&06 MEET THE HERPS! Some can go without a meal for more than a year. Others can live for a century, but not really reach a ripe old age for another couple of decades. One species is able to squirt blood from its eyes. What kinds of animals are these? They’re herps – the collective name given to reptiles and amphibians. What Is Herpetology? The word “herp” comes from the word “herpeton,” the Greek word for “crawling things.” Herpetology is the branch of science focusing on reptiles and amphibians. The reptiles are divided into four major groups: lizards, snakes, turtles, and crocodilians. Three major groups – frogs (including toads), salamanders and caecilians – make up the amphibians. A herpetologist studies animals from all seven of these groups. Even though reptiles and amphibians are grouped together for study, they are two very different kinds of animals. They are related in the sense that early reptiles evolved from amphibians – just as birds, and later mammals, evolved from reptiles. But reptiles and amphibians are each in a scientific class of their own, just as mammals are in their own separate class. One of the reasons reptiles and amphibians are lumped together under the heading of “herps” is that, at one time, naturalists thought the two kinds of animals were much more closely related than they really are, and the practice of studying them together just persisted through the years. Reptiles vs. Amphibians: How Are They Different? Many of the differences between reptiles and amphibians are internal (inside the body).
    [Show full text]
  • Lizards & Snakes: Alive!
    LIZARDSLIZARDS && SNAKES:SNAKES: ALIVE!ALIVE! EDUCATOR’SEDUCATOR’S GUIDEGUIDE www.sdnhm.org/exhibits/lizardsandsnakeswww.sdnhm.org/exhibits/lizardsandsnakes Inside: • Suggestions to Help You Come Prepared • Must-Read Key Concepts and Background Information • Strategies for Teaching in the Exhibition • Activities to Extend Learning Back in the Classroom • Map of the Exhibition to Guide Your Visit • Correlations to California State Standards Special thanks to the Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation and the Nordson Corporation Foundation for providing underwriting support of the Teacher’s Guide KEYKEY CONCEPTSCONCEPTS Squamates—legged and legless lizards, including snakes—are among the most successful vertebrates on Earth. Found everywhere but the coldest and highest places on the planet, 8,000 species make squamates more diverse than mammals. Remarkable adaptations in behavior, shape, movement, and feeding contribute to the success of this huge and ancient group. BEHAVIOR Over 45O species of snakes (yet only two species of lizards) An animal’s ability to sense and respond to its environment is are considered to be dangerously venomous. Snake venom is a crucial for survival. Some squamates, like iguanas, rely heavily poisonous “soup” of enzymes with harmful effects—including on vision to locate food, and use their pliable tongues to grab nervous system failure and tissue damage—that subdue prey. it. Other squamates, like snakes, evolved effective chemore- The venom also begins to break down the prey from the inside ception and use their smooth hard tongues to transfer before the snake starts to eat it. Venom is delivered through a molecular clues from the environment to sensory organs in wide array of teeth.
    [Show full text]
  • Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles)
    6-3.1 Compare the characteristic structures of invertebrate animals... and vertebrate animals (fish, amphibians, and reptiles). Also covers: 6-1.1, 6-1.2, 6-1.5, 6-3.2, 6-3.3 Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles sections Can I find one? If you want to find a frog or salamander— 1 Chordates and Vertebrates two types of amphibians—visit a nearby Lab Endotherms and Exotherms pond or stream. By studying fish, amphib- 2 Fish ians, and reptiles, scientists can learn about a 3 Amphibians variety of vertebrate characteristics, includ- 4 Reptiles ing how these animals reproduce, develop, Lab Water Temperature and the and are classified. Respiration Rate of Fish Science Journal List two unique characteristics for Virtual Lab How are fish adapted each animal group you will be studying. to their environment? 220 Robert Lubeck/Animals Animals Start-Up Activities Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles Make the following Foldable to help you organize Snake Hearing information about the animals you will be studying. How much do you know about reptiles? For example, do snakes have eyelids? Why do STEP 1 Fold one piece of paper lengthwise snakes flick their tongues in and out? How into thirds. can some snakes swallow animals that are larger than their own heads? Snakes don’t have ears, so how do they hear? In this lab, you will discover the answer to one of these questions. STEP 2 Fold the paper widthwise into fourths. 1. Hold a tuning fork by the stem and tap it on a hard piece of rubber, such as the sole of a shoe.
    [Show full text]
  • Komodo Dragon (Read-Only)
    Komodo Dragons A Komodo dragon is the largest lizard living anywhere in the world. Do you know how big it can get? It can grow to be 10 feet long and over 175 pounds. That’s a giant reptile! It only lives on a few islands near Indonesia. Komodo dragons have long, powerful tails. They also have long claws on their feet. Their mouth is full of sharp teeth. When a tooth breaks off, another one will grow in. Some komodo dragons grow up to 200 new teeth in a year! This lizard can smell food over a mile away. They are carnivores, which means they eat meat. They will eat deer, birds, and other mammals. They can swim well, so sometimes they find their prey in the ocean. Scientists are studying these fascinating animals to learn more about how they live. Scan here to learn more about komodo dragons. Purposefully Primary 2014 Name ___________________ Lizards Scan here to What type of learn more animal is a lizard A lizard is a type of reptile. It is closely about lizards! ? related to snakes, but a lizard usually has legs. _________________ It also has a short body and a long tail. What do lizards eat? _________________ Most lizards are harmless to people. In _________________ Highlight the fact, some people even keep lizards as pets! answer with _________________ yellow. A lizard will eat insects, fruits and vegetables. It’s helpful to have an insect-eating lizard in _________________ Why is a lizard your garden. Highlight the answer colorful? with green. Lizards can be very colorful, and all _________________ different shapes and sizes.
    [Show full text]