Turtle Territory!
-
On-site
Activities/Ranger Led
Grade Level: 3
Content Area: Science
Time to Complete: 90 minutes
Maximum
number of students: 30
Title
of Lesson: Turtle Territory!
South Carolina State Standards
Addressed:
|
I.A.1.a.
|
Use the senses to gather
information about
objects or events such
as size, shape, color,
texture, sound,
position, change, and
use. (quantitative
observations) |
|
II.A.1.b. |
Select and describe an
appropriate habitat for
a plant or animal. |
|
II.C.2.b. |
Research and describe
how habitats are managed
and species are
monitored in South
Carolina |
|
II.C.2.e. |
Investigate,
communicate, and debate
that natural events,
natural resources, and
human influences can
affect the
survival/extinction of a
species. |
Lesson Description:
One of
the premier nesting areas for the threatened loggerhead sea turtle is found
at Edisto Beach State Park. This makes the park an excellent location for
the study of our state reptile. Students will participate in hands-on field
studies that will 1) investigate ideal nesting habitat, 2) demonstrate how
loggerhead turtle nesting areas are managed, and 3) determine how threats,
both human and natural, can affect their long term survival. Upon
completion of this field trip, students will understand the threats to
loggerhead sea turtles and the importance of protecting this valuable
reptile.
Objectives:
The students
will:
|
1. |
Understand
the basic needs of nesting loggerhead sea turtles and the importance
of barrier islands in providing nesting sites. |
|
2. |
Collect,
analyze, and interpret data from a mock loggerhead sea turtle nest. |
|
3. |
Explain
how loggerhead sea turtles and their habitats are monitored and
managed. |
|
4. |
Describe
factors that threaten the existence of sea turtles. |
|
5. |
Give
examples of ways that humans can help the loggerhead sea turtles. |
Focus Questions for Students:
| 1. |
List the basic
needs of the nesting loggerhead sea turtle. |
| 2. |
Explain the
importance of barrier islands in meeting these needs. |
| 3. |
Explain how
loggerhead sea turtles and their habitats are monitored and managed. |
| 4. |
Determine the
factors that have caused the loggerhead sea turtle to become
threatened. |
| 5. |
List and
describe human activities that influence the survival of the
loggerhead sea turtle. |
| 6. |
Give examples
of ways that humans can help the loggerhead sea turtle. |
Material/Equipment/Resources
(provided by park):
All materials and equipment will be
provided by the park.
Procedures:
|
1. |
Arrive at Park. |
| |
Use restrooms
located near picnic shelter #1 where the park staff will meet you.
|
|
2. |
Students will
participate in ranger-led activities with teacher and chaperone
assistance. |
| |
Activity One –
Turtle Talk |
| |
Activity Two –
Habitat Hunt
|
|
|
Activity Three
–
Nest Inventory |
|
|
Activity Four
–
Fatal Foods |
|
3. |
Optional teacher-led activity –
One In A
Thousand
(The Park will provide all materials
and an activity
guide.) |
|
