Process

Step 1 - Learn some snake vocabulary Your teacher wants to make sure you know the meanings of some words related to snakes. Click here to play a concentration game to learn the meanings of these words: snake reptile habitat cold-blooded Now go to Puzzlemaker and make a criss-cross puzzle using your new vocabulary words. (The number of squares should be width 15, height 15, and the square size should be 30.) Print out your puzzle and trade your puzzle with a classmate to see how well you know these snaky words.

Step 2 - Create a poster about the life cycle of a snake Now it is time to learn about the life cycle of a snake. First, print out the graphic organizer. As you learn about the snake life cycle, use the organizer to write down ideas for your poster. Web site - Snake Life Cycle Book - Snakes (Nature Watch Series) by Barbara Taylor (You can buy it at Amazon.com) Create a poster that shows the life cycle of a snake. Make sure it covers five stages and that your poster is colorful.

Step 3 - Choose a snake and create a model of the snake in its habitat. You need to pick one of the four snakes that Dr. Slither left with your teacher. Copperhead Rattlesnake Garter Snake Boa Constrictor Go to the following web sites to learn about the habitat of your snake. Boa, an Encarta Encyclopedia Article Rattlesnake, an Encarta Encyclopedia Article Snakes of Missouri Create a model of your snake in its habitat using a shoe box. You will need to find the necessary materials (rocks, grass, sand, leaves) to create a habitat where your snake could survive. Use clay, Model Magic, or craft dough to make a model of your snake. Paint it to look like your type of snake and put it in the habitat you created.

Step 4 - Make a feeding sign for your snake.   Go to the following web sites to learn what your snake eats. The Belize Zoo - Boa Constrictor Snakes of Missouri Make a feeding sign for your snake exhibit that tells what your snake eats. You can use a computer program like KidPix, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, Print Shop to create your sign; or you can create one just using paper and crayons.

Step 5 - So why would anyone want to save snakes?   Many people fear snakes and probably think your teacher and Dr. Slither are crazy for wanting to save four baby snakes. Using the information you have learned so far about snakes and information from the following web site, write a letter as a class to the local newspaper, telling why snakes are important, useful animals. Snakes: Information for Missouri Homeowners