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Printables
Ask a Biologist

Desert Tortoise

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
The desert tortoise is a protected species, and it's population in some areas, such as Joshua Tree State Park in California, has been rapidly declining over the years. Invite your young biologists to study the Desert Tortoise with this...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Talk is Cheap

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders listen to the tale, "The Tortoise and the Hare" and discuss the moral of the story. Afterward, they brainstorm words that encouraged the Tortoise to accomplish his goal. Students then review the concept of goal setting and...
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Reptiles

For Students 9th - 10th
In this reptiles worksheet, students identify and label the different parts of reptiles. They complete 10 short answer questions after reading the information provided in the worksheet.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Reptile and Amphibian Word Search

For Students 6th - 10th
In this reptile and amphibian learning exercise, learners complete a word search puzzle by finding 24 terms associated with the different types of reptiles and amphibians.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Many Pancake Tortoises

For Teachers 3rd
In this mathematics lesson, 3rd graders estimate how many pancake tortoises they think it will take to reach the height of a giraffe.  Students watch a video and take notes before they begin the estimation process
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Handout
Other

Zoo Lab a Website for Animal Biology: The Reptiles

For Students 9th - 10th
Some general facts about reptiles are presented with links to pages on different types of reptiles (turtles, alligators, lizards, snakes, and tuataras). The individual pages on the particular reptiles present characteristics and facts...
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Handout
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian National Zoo: Reptile Recovery Center

For Students 9th - 10th
This website presents fact sheets about numerous reptiles. Choose from a pull-down list between snakes, lizards, crocodilians, and turtles. The fact sheets contain information such as taxonomy, distribution and habitat, eating habits,...
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Handout
San Diego Zoo Global

San Diego Zoo: Reptiles

For Students 9th - 10th
What is a reptile? Use this resource to understand the basic facts of all reptiles and click to detailed information on many specific types.
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Handout
San Diego Zoo Global

San Diego Zoo: Turtle and Tortoise

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides detailed information about turtles and tortoises, as well as several pictures and an audio clip.
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Handout
Other

Tortuga Gazette: Diamondback Terrapin

For Students 9th - 10th
Site contains information on the Diamondback terrapin, Malaclemys terrapin.
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Handout
San Diego Zoo Global

San Diego Zoo: Galapagos Tortoise

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides detailed information about the Galapagos tortoise, as well as several pictures.
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Unit Plan
Read Works

Read Works: Passages: An Elephant's Excellent Trunk

For Teachers 1st Standards
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read an informational text about elephants and answers questions about reading comprehension, supporting details, main idea, and more. Links to a paired text and paired text questions are...
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Website
Other

K 3 Learning Pages: Reptiles and Amphibians

For Students Pre-K - 1st
Come and discover more about reptiles and amphibians when you explore this awesome resource. This site is filled with useful links.
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Handout
Regents of the University of Michigan

Animal Diversity Web: Geochelone Radiata (Radiated Tortoise)

For Students 9th - 10th
Site contains information on the Geochelone radiata (Radiated Tortoise). Includes geographic range, habitat, physical description, reproduction, food habits, and conservation status.
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Handout
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian National Zoo: Zoogoer Magazine: Desert Shell Game

For Students 9th - 10th
Howard Youth's article, "Desert Shell Game," examines information related to the desert tortoise, Gopherus agassizii. Topics covered include Fast Times for a Desert Ancient, The Tortoise and Its Lair, and more.
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Handout
A-Z Animals

A Z Animals: Animal Facts: Tortoise (Geochelone Elegans)

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry identifies the defining characteristics of the Geochelone Elegans, more commonly known as the tortoise.
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Interactive
American Museum of Natural History

American Museum of Natural History: Radiated Tortoise O Logy Card

For Students 3rd - 8th
Flip this interactive OLogy card to find fast facts, questions and answers, and other bite-size pieces of information about the radiated tortoise.
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Unit Plan
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Life Science: Turtles

For Students 6th - 8th
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Turtles are reptiles in the order Testudines. Most turtle bodies are covered by a special shell developed from their ribs. About 300 species are alive today, and...
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Website
Other

Florida Museum of Natural History: The Gopher Tortoise

For Students 9th - 10th
Details surrounding the habits of the gopher tortoise are discussed in this resource by The Gopher Tortoise Council. The problems facing this tortoise are listed and potential solutions are outlined.
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Website
Other

The Gopher Tortoise Organization

For Students 9th - 10th
Did you know that due to it's protected status, the gopher tortoise cannot be handled without a permit? This site addresses numerous FAQ's and presents a wealth of information on this fascinating creature.
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Activity
Study Languages

Study Spanish: Las Tortugas De Caparazon Gigante

For Students 9th - 10th
This site has a cultural explanation in Spanish or English with a few comprehension questions aboutthe giant domed tortoises living on Ecuador's Galapagos Islands. Great reading selection for beginning and intermediate Spanish students.
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Handout
Unique Australian Animals

Unique Australian Animals: Western Swamp Tortoise

For Students 3rd - 8th
Use this site to the facts about an endangered Australian tortoise called the Western Swamp Tortoise.
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Graphic
Curated OER

The Gopher Tortoise Organization

For Students 9th - 10th
Did you know that due to it's protected status, the gopher tortoise cannot be handled without a permit? This site addresses numerous FAQ's and presents a wealth of information on this fascinating creature.
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Graphic
Curated OER

The Gopher Tortoise Organization

For Students 9th - 10th
Did you know that due to it's protected status, the gopher tortoise cannot be handled without a permit? This site addresses numerous FAQ's and presents a wealth of information on this fascinating creature.