Inquiry Box: Florida's Reptiles & Amphibians
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Suitable for: all ages but geared to 2nd - 6th grade
Presentation: designed for 2nd grade but adaptable to all ages
Participants will:
- Discover the great variety of reptiles and amphibians that make their home in Florida: crocodilians, snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs and salamanders.
- Learn how reptiles and amphibians are the same and how they are different.
- Hold a snake shed and learn why and how snakes shed their skin.
- Learn what a tadpole is and how it is part of the transformation from egg to frog through the process called metamorphosis.
- Discover the difference between warm blooded and cold blooded animals by using a simple thermometer.
The Florida's Reptiles and Amphibian Inquiry Box (2 green suitcases) contains books (both fiction and non fiction), a video, 6 replicas, word cards, laminated teaching aids and a teacher's guide (including a suggested approach sheet). This Inquiry Box features 14 shared boxes, each designed to be explored by 1-3 students.
Each box contains:
- Envelope A contains a real snake shed
- Envelope B has a hands on camouflage activity
- Envelope C contains a flat thermometer
- Envelope D contains 6 frog metamorphosis cards
- 2 sock puppets
- Replica of a snapping turtle
This Inquiry Box was designed using the Sunshine State Standards and is intended to enhance FCAT preparation.
Suggested Links
Herpetology - Florida Museum of Natural History
Reptiles & Amphibians for Kids - Smithsonian National Zoo
Frogs and Toads of Florida - University of Florida Wildlife Extension
Reptile & Amphibian Resources for Kids - California Academy of Sciences