Kingdom Animalia--Lesson 4

Continuing the weekly lesson plans for an elementary science unit focusing on Kingdom Animalia.

Lesson 4: Reptiles 

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Reptilia

Read about and find examples of reptiles.  Again our favorite resource is a Dorling Kindersley book entitled Eyewitness Books: Reptile, but feel free to use any good picture/information book which focuses on reptiles.

What are the major characteristics of reptiles?

1) Reptiles have tough skin covered with scales

2) Reptiles, like amphibians, are cold-blooded

3) Reptiles lay eggs with tough water proof shells

4) Reptiles breathe with lungs

5) Reptiles have a 3 chambered heart

While discussing what makes a reptile a reptile, be sure to compare and contrast with other classes of animals, especially amphibians.

Project:

Younger students--Draw a picture of a reptile and use the bio-diversity website to explore it's taxonomy.

Older students--Fill out an animal report form (this one from CurrClick is free and will work for this activity), making sure to include the characteristics that make this animal a reptile. Use the bio-diversity website to explore the animal's taxonomy.

Objectives:  Student will be able to list major characteristics of reptiles and be able to give an example of a reptile.  Student will be able to explain how reptiles and amphibians are different.