REPTILES TEACHER TOOLKIT
These activities are designed to complement the World Wildlife Global Challenge modules and help your students dive deeper into the content. They encourage independent exploration, critical thinking, and lively discussion. Use these classroom ideas to spark curiosity, inspire debate, and promote hands-on learning.
PRIMER
5 FASCINATING FACTS
​Get started with these introductory activities to familiarize students with the ITZA platform and encourage them to explore at their own pace.
Encourage students to explore and discover new information about reptiles.
10 MINUTES​​
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Instructions:
1. Ask your class to explore the content and find 5 new facts or pieces of information about reptiles that they didn’t know before.
2. Set a timer for 10 minutes to guide their exploration.
3. After time is up, invite a few students to share their facts with the group.
Benefits:
• This activity will inspire students to delve into different aspects of the content.
• Sharing discoveries will spark interest in what others have learned.
• Students will evaluate and discuss what they find most intriguing and valuable.
ORIGINS AND SUPERPOWERS
REPTILE VS REPTILE
Get your students engaged and collaborating with this interactive pairs activity.
Compare and debate reptile superpowers to understand their unique advantages.
15 MINUTES
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Instructions:
1. Pair Up: Have students pair up with a classmate.
2. Research: Each student chooses their favorite reptile superpower and conducts brief research on it.
3. Debate: For the final 5 minutes, students take turns convincing their partner why their chosen superpower is the best.
Extension:
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Class Discussion: Share the most compelling arguments with the whole class. Discuss:
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Which superpowers are the most impressive?
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How might these superpowers be useful in different scenarios?
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Are there any other animal superpowers that could be interesting to explore?
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Benefits:
• Encourages critical thinking and persuasive skills.
• Sparks interest in the unique adaptations of reptiles.
• Fosters collaborative learning and discussion.
PERFECT PREDATORS
RIVER CROSSING
Get your students working together in this team-building challenge.
Work as a team to navigate a “river” using a paper pathway while carrying “precious” objects.
30 MINUTES
5-7 students per group
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EQUIPMENT: Markers to define the start and end points, several “precious” objects, and 4 sheets of paper per group to use as the pathway.
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Instructions:
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Set Up: Mark the start and end points of the course in a large space, such as outdoors or in a gym hall.
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Create the Pathway: Each group receives 4 sheets of paper to use as their pathway across the “river.” The goal is to use these sheets to move from one side to the other while avoiding the “crocodiles” (the floor).
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Navigate: The entire group must cross from one side to the other without touching the floor. Each member must be on the paper pathway at all times and carry their “precious” objects with them.
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Teamwork: Emphasize the importance of communication, coordination, and listening to ensure everyone successfully crosses the river.
Extension:
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Debrief: Discuss the following with the class:
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What strategies worked best for crossing the river?
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How did effective communication impact the outcome?
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What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
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Benefits:
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Enhances teamwork and communication skills.
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Promotes problem-solving and strategic thinking.
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Provides a fun, physical activity that reinforces the importance of collaboration.
AGAINST THE ODDS
THE TURTLE DEBATE
Engage your whole class in a comprehensive debate on sea turtle conservation.
Explore and debate the complex factors affecting sea turtle conservation, developing research, presentation, and critical thinking skills.
30 MINUTES TO HALF A DAY
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Instructions:
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Form Groups: Divide the class into small groups, pairs, or have students work individually.
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Assign Factors: Randomly assign each group a different factor related to sea turtle conservation. Factors might include:
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Economic benefits of development and tourism disrupting nesting beaches
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Importance of fishing for local economies and subsistence
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Use of turtle meat and eggs in indigenous diets
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Measures for turtle protection and conservation
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WIX Research and Prepare: Each group researches their assigned factor, preparing arguments or presentations on its importance and possible mitigations.
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Present and Debate: Have groups present their findings to the class. Facilitate a discussion on how these different factors intersect and how to balance them in conservation efforts.
Extension:
Advanced Presentation: Enhance presentation skills by having groups prepare physical presentations or visual aids.
Formal Debate: Turn the discussion into a formal debate, with students taking on roles for opening and closing arguments.
Benefits:
• Develops research and presentation skills.
• Encourages critical thinking and understanding of complex issues.
• Fosters debate and discussion on real-world conservation challenges.