Inquiry of snakes

• Course / Grade Level: Biology II / 10 – 12• Lesson Objective: Standard number 1.0

• Students will observe a variety of organisms representing a major group of vertebrates, to gain an understanding of increasing complexity.

• Students will compare and contrast snakes from simplest to most complex with regard to anatomical differences.

by: Laicee Peerman

Snakes

• Snakes are reptiles.• Reptiles are cold-blooded

and have skin that is covered with scales

• Most snakes lay eggs others don’t lay eggs but hold them inside until they hatch

• Snakes have no legs and no ears.

• They are skilled predators, snakes help maintain the balance of nature by eating prey that reproduces frequently, everything from earthworms to rabbits.

• Snakes are especially important in the control of rodents such as mice and rats.

Choose a characteristic that you want to inquire about:

Assignment Coloration

• Your job is to compare and contrast the coloration of the snakes on the following pages to their surroundings. If you have questions, write them down.

Water Moccasin Venomous

Copperhead

Mojave Desert Sidewinder

Eastern Rat Snake

Coral Snake Venomous

Eastern Hognose

Snake Coloration

Assignment Snake Tails

• Your job is to compare and contrast the characteristics of each snake’s tail on the following pages. Of you have questions, write them down.

Mojave Desert Sidewinder Venomous

Boa Constrictor

Pygmy Rattlesnake Venomous

Coral Snake Venomous

Timber Rattle Snake Venomous

Snake Tail

Assignment Constrictors

• Your job is to compare and contrast the characteristics of the constrictors on the following pages. If you have questions, write them down.

Black Rat Snake Constrictor

Boa Constrictor

Red Tailed Boa Constrictor

Python Constrictor

Albino Boa Constrictor

Constrictor Snake

Assignment Length/Width

• Your job is to compare and contrast the different snakes on the following pages to determine the differences between the length and width of each snake. If you have questions, write them down.

Copperhead Venomous

Western Diamondback Rattle Venomous

                                      

Coral Snake Venomous

Eastern Rat Snake

Boa Constrictor

Red Tailed Boa Constrictor

Snake Length / Width

Helpful web sites to explore your questions:

• http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/adv/kidspage/snakes/psnakes.htm

• http://www.everwonder.com/david/snakes/

• http://pelotes.jea.com/vensnake.htm

• http://www.venomous.com/

By now you should have

• A list of all of your observations

• A list of questions about the things that you want to student further

Once you have finished, please return to your seat and wait for the teachers instructions.