Introduction
Freshwater Turtles coming to a classroom near you!
Ashleigh Walters
3:05 PM, Jun 13, 2015
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PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. - Reptile caretaker Tara Snapper and Media Manager Amy Pond showed WQTV around the Palm Beach Zoo, introducing them to Aldabra who is a giant tortoise and then they were off to the freshwater turtle habitat. Freshwater turtles remain a common sight in many parts of the world, but the Palm Beach Zoo is being overrun by far too many.
The zoo has limited space because of all the animal exhibits that it already has on the property. The zoo also can’t afford to build a bigger habitat for the turtles, because of other newer exhibits, which have been built this past winter. Life for the turtles would have gone on as normal if not for the recent rainy season in the spring. And the zookeepers predict another heavy rain season coming in August and September. The Box Turtle, Snapper Turtles and Cooters (another species of freshwater turtles), love the rain. This is the high season for their reproduction.
At this point, the zoo is over the capacity of the turtles and their hatchlings (baby turtles) and are not able to care for all them. If something isn’t done, the hatchlings will have to be set out into the wild. This would be dangerous for the turtles who have spent their life in captivity and would not be used to living on their own. There are also natural predators out there and the hatchlings would not be able to survive for long.
Luckily Ms. Snapper and Ms. Pond have found one possible solution to this overpopulation. During the 2015-2016 school year, the Palm Beach Zoo is offering to give up a large number of freshwater turtle hatchlings to local schools. The offer includes a $300.00 grant in order to set up the turtles in their new homes properly. They will need aquariums, water filters, a UV/basking light, a turtle dock (a place that a turtle can use out of the water), a water heater and food.
Ms. Pond says “If your classroom is interested, you will present your research and a diagram which gives evidence that you are turtle experts. This must be presented via videocast. You must also exhibit that you have adequate plans for their care in your classroom. The videocast must be completed and sent in by March 11th, 2016.”
The letters of interest and completed projects should be sent to:
Tara Snapper at the Palm Beach Zoo
1301 Summit Boulevard
West Palm Beach, Florida 33405-3035
(561) 547-9453
Task
- eddrTogether, we can help save the freshwater turtles at the Palm Beach Zoo. Working in groups of 4, you will research the habitats of turtles and freshwater turtles. You will also research on how to take care of a freshwater turtle. You will need to take notes and complete a diagram or 3-d model, and instructions about a freshwater turtle for the class. Your teacher will provide you with questions and supplies to help complete this project.
You must answer the following questions:
1. What do freshwater turtles look like? Are they all the same or are there different types?
2. Where do the freshwater turtles live in the world? Be specific.
3. What type of climate do they live in? Is it cold or hot?
4. Describe their habitat. Do they live in a shelter? If so, what kind?
5. What do they eat?
6. Could these animals survive in our classroom? How?
- Task 1
After answering the questions, your group will look at the Know/Need to Know sheets. Check off anything that you found in your research. This information will be used to help create your turtle habitat.
- Task 2
Each group member will need to find out how to take care of a freshwater turtle in their classroom.
Process
“You will research a minimum of two types of freshwater turtle habitats and a minimum of two types of classroom turtle habitats using the websites that I have provided. All members within the group will take appropriate notes in their science journals. You will also need to provide a contingency plan for the turtle in case of any unforeseen situations such as power outages or sickness. You will need to explain your design and why you think that your habitat will help the turtle survive and thrive. Before you begin on your design, you will need to be able to complete the checklist for your turtle habitat. Once the group members have completed all of these requirements, and have gotten their approval of the rough-draft and sketches, you may transfer the information on the posterboard and prepare for your videocast.”
These questions will help you with your tank.
How can turtles thrive in the classroom?
What will be needed to be purchased to set up a turtle habitat in the classroom, including costs associated with the project?
What is the best location within the classroom to ensure the safety of the turtle while accommodating their daily needs for survival?
What size tank is appropriate for the turtles habitat?
Go to the following links to research your answers.
http://animalstime.com/turtle-facts-kids/
http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/call-of-the-wildman/lists/10-weird-turtle-facts/
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/animals/turtle.html
http://satucitafoundation.org/2013/05/12/freshwater-turtle-facts/
https://www.lovethatpet.com/small-pets/turtles/
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/animals/FreshwaterTurtles.htm
http://www.care2.com/causes/how-you-can-help-save-americas-freshwater-turtles.html
http://www.turtlesurvival.org/component/taxonomy/term/summary/27/4#.VqOeF7YrLIU
http://save-a-turtle.org/index.php/about/
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=17+1797&aid=943
Evaluation
“You will set up your completed diagram on an easel and all information that you have for the gallery walk. Once all groups have set up, you will fill out your Gallery Walk Freshwater Turtle Habitat Feedback sheet as you visit the other displays.”
“Once the gallery walk feedback sheet is complete, you may begin recording your videocast using the ipad provided by your teacher. For the videocast, each student will need to actively participate. You will be assessed individually and as a cohesive group according to the rubric provided.”
Conclusion
Once the winning design has been determined, the teacher will submit that videocast. The class will receive the tank and materials for the turtle’s habitat. We will work as a group to set up the habitat and get it running. Using the checklist and the document explaining the care of the turtle, we will operate this tank for 1 week to ensure that we can provide the best possible habitat for our turtle. After operating the tank and receiving the turtle, the teacher will commit a class period for reflections and observations.
Teacher Page
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