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Crooked Creek’s Turtles (FBCEC) |
| Topic | Habitat and Management - Species and Habitat Management
Wildlife - Reptiles |
| Summary | Crooked Creek is prime turtle real estate. In this hands-on activity, participants will distinguish between terrestrial and aquatic species common to Arkansas and become familiar with biology and behavior of some common Ozark turtles.
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| Grade Level | K - 12 |
| Recommended Setting | Indoor or outdoor classroom |
| Location | Fred Berry Conservation Education Center, Yellville, AR |
| Contact | Education Program Coordinator, 879-449-3484
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| Duration | 45 minutes - 1 hour |
| Suggested Number of Participants | Up to 30 |
| Special Conditions | Live animals are used and must be currently available. Inquire.
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| Objectives |
- Learn about turtle behavior, characteristics, biology and habitat.
- Compare and contrast terrestrial and aquatic species of turtles.
- Examine live turtles (when available).
- Examine shells and other items from the classroom collection.
- Understand the role of turtles in our environment.
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| Key Terms* | Aquatic
Cold-blooded
Ecosystem
Habitat
Terrestrial
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| Materials | AGFC reptile trading cards
Classroom collection of turtle shells and, if available, live turtles
Turtle posters/Illustrations/photos
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| Background | More than 15 species of turtles are in Arkansas. Crooked Creek is home to several aquatic turtle species like red-eared sliders, common map turtles, spiny soft-shelled turtles and common snapping turtles. Three-toed box turtles are common terrestrial residents. Like other reptiles, turtles are cold-blooded, have scaly skin and lay eggs.
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| Procedure |
- Begin by asking participants about turtles they have seen in the area, describing the turtles and where they saw them.
- Introduce the terms “terrestrial” and “aquatic,” and discuss the different habitats.
- Show posters, pictures or slide show of Arkansas’ turtles. If available, show live turtles while describing characteristics and adaptations. Display the turtle shell collection (three-toed box turtle, common snapping turtle, map turtle, Mississippi mud turtle and stinkpot turtle) as you discuss features of each shell. Allow participants to examine live turtles, then handle and observe features of the classroom turtle shell collection.
- Discuss the decline of turtle populations and the roles of turtles in their ecosystem as well as ways to preserve turtle habitat.
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| Modifications | Play a modified version of Turtle Hurdles from Aquatic WILD, page 158.
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| Review |
- Compare and contrast aquatic turtles to terrestrial turtles.
- What are some characteristics all turtles share?
- List three turtle species found in or near Crooked Creek, and describe each one’s habitat needs.
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| Resources | |
| Related Documents | |
| Glossary | Aquatic – consisting of or relating to water; living or growing in, on or near the water
Cold blooded (ectothermic) – relating to an organism that regulates its body temperature by exchanging heat with its surroundings
Ecosystem – plants and animals interacting with each other and their physical environment
Habitat – an arrangement of food, water, shelter or cover, and space suitable to animals’ needs
Terrestrial – living on or in the ground
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