K-6 Science for the Next Generation

Lesson Plans
Characteristics of Reptiles

Learning Objectives

  • Identify common characteristics of reptiles such as scales, egg-laying, and cold-blooded nature.
  • Describe the adaptations of reptiles for living on land and in water.
  • Explain the function of scales or hard plates in protecting reptiles.

Introduction and Hook

Engage students by asking them to think of animals like alligators, snakes, turtles, and lizards. Discuss what these animals have in common and introduce them as reptiles.

Go to the Lesson

Introduce the concept of reptiles being cold-blooded and having scales or hard plates for protection.

Direct Instruction

Explain the common characteristics of reptiles, such as their scaly skin, egg-laying habits, and cold-blooded nature.

Use the video 'All About Reptiles' to illustrate these characteristics and how reptiles adapt to their environments.

Video thumbnail

Guided Exploration

Explore the adaptations of reptiles for living on land and in water, using examples like sea turtles and alligators.

Watch the video 'Sea Turtle Safari: Exploring the Incredible World of Marine Reptiles' to understand the unique adaptations of sea turtles.

Video thumbnail

Hands-On Activity

Have students create a model or drawing of a reptile, labeling its key characteristics such as scales, lungs, and egg-laying.

Encourage students to research and present on a specific reptile, focusing on its habitat and adaptations.

Independent Practice

Assign students to complete a worksheet on reptile characteristics and life cycles.

Assessment thumbnail

Check for Understanding

Conduct a class discussion to review the key characteristics of reptiles and their adaptations.

Use the video 'Chameleons – Quiz Edition' to reinforce learning through an interactive quiz.

Video thumbnail

Review and Reflection

Have students reflect on what they learned about reptiles and how these animals are adapted to their environments.

Encourage students to share their favorite reptile and why they find it interesting.

Assessment and Extension

Use the 'Characteristics and Life Cycles of Reptiles' assessment to evaluate students' understanding of reptile biology.

Try the Quiz
Assessment thumbnail

For further exploration, students can research and present on the conservation efforts for endangered reptile species.

Custom Subscription Plan

Please reach out to your dedicated support agent to make changes to your custom subscription plan.

Free Usage Limit Reached!

You have reached the usage limit under a free subscription. 
This will reset in 1 hour. 
Please try again later, or consider upgrading your account. Thanks!

Password Reset Successfully!

You are now signed in to NGScience. Enjoy!

Reset Password

Enter the email address associated with your account.

Subscription Update Error

There was an error updating the subscription.

Subscription Updated

Your subscription was successfully updated. Enjoy!

Insufficient Privelages

You are not authorized to make changes to the subscription plan of this account. 
Please contact the appropriate administrator.

Manage Subscription

Prices are in US Dollars.

Free

  • Limited daily access
  • 10% off all eBook purchases

Home

  • Unlimited and unrestricted access
  • Printable assessments with answer keys
  • 20% off all eBook purchases
  • Email support

Classroom

  • Unlimited and unrestricted access
  • Printable assessments with answer keys
  • 30% off all eBook purchases
  • Email support

School

  • Unlimited and unrestricted access
  • Printable assessments with answer keys
  • 40% off all eBook purchases
  • Dedicated support agent

Sign In

Account Limit Reached!

Your account does not have any available slots remaining to add a new user.

You can:
• remove and existing user to free up a slot.
• upgrade your plan or contact us.

Remove User

You are about to remove the following users accounts:

THIS CANNOT BE UNDONE

Registration Complete!

You are now signed in to NGScience. Enjoy!

Create an Account

Enter your email to create a free account with NG Science.

or

Activity Complete

Try again for a perfect score