Sunday, March 16, 2014

Researching Reptiles & Amphibians

We spent the week continuing to research reptiles and amphibians using books, videos and the internet. First we decided to split into 4 groups to start researching our specific animals. The students signed up for the group that they would like to learn more about from the following: amphibian, lizard, turtle, and crocodilian group. Even though snakes are reptiles, we focused on them during our Ohio wild animal study so we aren't going to focus on them during our reptile study. Here are a few pictures of the children signing up for their groups.
We also discussed how many reptiles and amphibians use camouflage in order to stay safe and hide from their predators. Here are some of the pictures we found of animals camouflaging in to their habitat. 
I found these art projects using black paper and chalk on Pinterest. We began discussing how to recreate it and they will be doing this activity in art class this coming week! I can't wait to see how they turn out!
Like I mentioned before, we have used different methods to research reptiles and amphibians. I have brought in many books from the library that have been a great source of information for us! Here are  just some of the books we have used to research so far!
 The children got into their animal groups and they chose specific animals from their groups that they would like to create when we make our clay animals. So in the amphibian group, each child chose a different amphibian to create. The lizard, turtle and crocodilian groups did the same thing. The kids then looked through books to find pictures of their specific animals to help them create a mental picture.
Left: Kuryn and Destiny are in the lizard group and have chosen to focus on the horned lizard.
Right: The lizard group looking through books for pictures of their animal.
Left: More of the lizard group looking for pictures of their animal.
Right: Sebastian is in the turtle group and is focusing on the Alligator Snapping Turtle. He was very excited when he found a picture of his animal in the book he was looking at!
Left: The amphibian group looking through books.
Right: The crocodilian group looking for pictures of their animal.
We also started new workstations during our "I Wonder" time related to reptiles and amphibians. We have surveys (like the one above) where the students survey their peers to find out which reptile or amphibian is their favorite.
Left: The students label the different parts of the turtle
Right: The students finish patterns created with reptiles and amphibians by cutting out the correct missing square and gluing it in the appropriate place in order to finish the pattern. 
The students arrange the strips in number order which creates a picture of a reptile or amphibian.

We have some exciting things planned for this upcoming week so check back next weekend to see what we have been up to. 

Have a great week!
Mrs. Brittany Garrabrant

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