Reptiles (1 hour)

In this classroom  activity, students will be learn about the reptiles that live in Connecticut.  Slides of indigenous species, study materials and live specimens will demonstrate the variety of reptilian species found in the area (1 lizard - 5-lined skink, 9 turtles, 14 snakes).  Students will learn the basic characteristics (exothermic, scaley skin, eggs with shell or oviviviporous) that define reptiles as a group.  Students will also understand specific characteristics possessed by reptiles such as hibernation, water conservation and modified teeth or scales. Students will observe live specimens of the three indigenous reptile groups; turtles (box, painted, snapper), lizards (5-lined skink) and snakes (black rat, garter, brown). *Species may vary depending on availability.  Students will: understand what characteristics define reptiles;  habitats in which reptiles may be found; learn how many species are found in Connecticut and; learn to identify some of the more common ones.