Reptiles In Unexpected Classrooms
Gifted Programs: Inspire brainstorming or future problem solving teams, and independent study or directed research projects.
Special Needs: Use fascinating reptiles and amphibians to focus attention and concentration, intrigue troubled or learning disabled students; “hands on” learning facilitates unique tactile opportunities for hearing and/or sight impaired students.
Art Classes: A great tool for studying anatomy, drawing from life, sculpture, photography, analyzing color and texture. (Being an artist myself, this is an especially fun class.)
English/Literature: Cold-blooded creatures in literature and myth, as descriptive/creative writing subjects, and as a great exercise in note taking/making outlines.
History/Ancient History/Mythology: Events in history involving reptiles and amphibians, and cold-blooded creatures in myth, legend and folklore.
Psychology: Studying the “herptile” brain – senses, nervous system, instincts, habits, learned behavior and intelligence, in relation to other animals and ourselves… conversely, using reptiles and amphibians to study phobias and preconceived notions and general misperceptions based on fear and cultural bias – plus dealing with and changing such perceptions.
Geography: Using reptiles and amphibians to explore the world we live in - an excellent tool to illustrate concepts in geography, cartography, and GIS - ranging from oceanic and wind currents, biogeography, ecology, and humanity’s role in the spread of species to foreign shores.
Geology/Earth Science: The geologic time scale, paleontology, evolution, and natural selection - reptiles and amphibians in the rock record. (See also Living Earth’s rock, mineral and fossil series – with in-depth coverage of many geologic periods, and the magnificent animals and plants, whose fossils survive to this day.)
Mathematics: Taking measurements, calculating enclosure size, food intake, growth rates, etc.
Wood/Metal Shop: Design, test, and build enclosures, aquariums, and terrariums from inspiration to final product; with the specific needs of various species in mind - form follows function.
Special Needs: Use fascinating reptiles and amphibians to focus attention and concentration, intrigue troubled or learning disabled students; “hands on” learning facilitates unique tactile opportunities for hearing and/or sight impaired students.
Art Classes: A great tool for studying anatomy, drawing from life, sculpture, photography, analyzing color and texture. (Being an artist myself, this is an especially fun class.)
English/Literature: Cold-blooded creatures in literature and myth, as descriptive/creative writing subjects, and as a great exercise in note taking/making outlines.
History/Ancient History/Mythology: Events in history involving reptiles and amphibians, and cold-blooded creatures in myth, legend and folklore.
Psychology: Studying the “herptile” brain – senses, nervous system, instincts, habits, learned behavior and intelligence, in relation to other animals and ourselves… conversely, using reptiles and amphibians to study phobias and preconceived notions and general misperceptions based on fear and cultural bias – plus dealing with and changing such perceptions.
Geography: Using reptiles and amphibians to explore the world we live in - an excellent tool to illustrate concepts in geography, cartography, and GIS - ranging from oceanic and wind currents, biogeography, ecology, and humanity’s role in the spread of species to foreign shores.
Geology/Earth Science: The geologic time scale, paleontology, evolution, and natural selection - reptiles and amphibians in the rock record. (See also Living Earth’s rock, mineral and fossil series – with in-depth coverage of many geologic periods, and the magnificent animals and plants, whose fossils survive to this day.)
Mathematics: Taking measurements, calculating enclosure size, food intake, growth rates, etc.
Wood/Metal Shop: Design, test, and build enclosures, aquariums, and terrariums from inspiration to final product; with the specific needs of various species in mind - form follows function.