WILDLIFE CONSERVATION THROUGH EDUCATION AND PARTICIPATION
Grade Levels: K-3
Time: 45 Minutes
Goal: Provide an
introduction to
reptiles using handson animal interaction.
Objectives:
° Students will state
what a reptile is.
° Students will
differentiate between
the different types of
reptiles.
° Students will
recognize reason
diversity is important
within an ecosystem.
° Students will discover
how they can plan a
role in reptile survival.
PLANNING YOUR
RESERVATION
°Fall and spring fill quickly
PLEASE REGISTER EARLY
°Groups must register
2 WEEKS IN ADVANCE
°Programs require a
MINIMUM OF 15 PEOPLE
°Programs are available
ON AND OFF-SITE
°Visit our website for
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
°Proper adult supervision
REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES
Reptiles Rule
Explore and encounter a diverse group of cold-blooded creatures known as Reptiles.
Learn how they are similar yet different in many ways. Gain an appreciation for their
significance in the web of life.
Curriculum Alignment:
SC.K.P.8.1; SC.K.L.14.1; SC.K.L.14.2; SC.K.L.14.3; SC.1.N.1.1; SC.1.N.1.2; SC.1.N.1.4;
SC.1.E.6.2, SC.1.E.6.3, SC.1.L.14.1, SC.1.L.14.3; SC.1.L.16.1, SC.1.L.17.1; SC.1.P.12.1;
SC.2.N.1.3, SC.2.N.1.5, SC.2.L.16.1; SC.2.L.17.1; SC.2.L.17.2; SC.3.L.15.1; SC.3.L.15.1;
SC.3.L.17.1; ESS3.C; LS1.A; LS1.B; LS3.B
Where education and conservation collide!
This program, presented by Brevard Zoo Education staff,
is an enhanced experience of the distinct and unique
wildlife habitats found at Brevard Zoo. Students delve into
the concept through fun, interactive activities, questions
and participatory responses, hands-on animal encounters,
and animal meet and greets. Programs are designed to
supplement in-class learning. Depth and structure vary
depending on grade and age range.
What are reptiles?
Reptiles are the first entirely
terrestrial vertebrates.
Reptiles were able to escape
a life spent entirely in water
through the development of
4 important adaptations.
Reptiles have tough, scaly
skin that limits moisture
loss; internal fertilization;
kidneys that conserve water;
and amniotic eggs which
enable the embryo to
develop prior to hatching in
a dry environment. More
generally, reptiles are
characterized by the
presence of scales, being
cold-blooded, and laying
eggs. The eggs are laid on
land, rather than in the
water as is common with
amphibians. When being
cold-blooded it means that
the animals take on the
temperature of their
surroundings. Their
temperature then is always
changing and is not
internally regulated as it is
in mammals and birds.
Scales are plates that cover
the reptiles’ body, serving
as protection and limiting
moisture loss.
There are 4 major reptile
divisions: crocodilians,
lizards and snakes, tuataras,
and turtles and tortoises.
Crocodilians include
alligators, crocodiles,
caimans, and gavials. All
crocodilians are
semiaquatic. They hunt and
feed in the water, but spend
part of each day on land,
usually basking in the sun.
Ninety-five percent of all
living reptiles are lizards or
snakes. These animals
range in size from a 12 mm
gecko to a 10 meter long
anaconda. Lizards, snakes,
and tuataras can shed their
Keywords:
Adaptation, Behavior,
Camouflage,
Characteristic, Class,
Cold-blooded,
Conservation, Reptile,
Scale, Scute,
Vertebrate
skin in one piece.
Tuataras look like lizards,
but are actually far more
ancient. Tuataras are only
found today on New
Zealand. They may live over
60 years.
Turtles and tortoises are
characterized by their hard,
bony shell that encases the
body. The shell provides
protection from potential
predators. Turtles have
webbed feet for swimming
and spend part of their life
on land and part in the
water. Tortoises, however,
do not swim. Instead of
webbed feet, they have
claws for digging tunnels in
the ground.
For more information or to book a program email [email protected] or call 321.254.9453 X219