Academy Street's first graders had a wild and scaly adventure right in their own classroom. A special guest from the Cornell Cooperative Extension visited to talk about the fascinating world of reptiles.
Students learned what makes reptiles unique, discovering that these cold-blooded creatures rely on the sun to regulate their body temperature. The presentation slithered into even more exciting territory as students learned how to spot the differences between alligators and crocodiles, and explored the four major reptile groups: crocodilians, lizards, snakes and turtles, including terrapins and tortoises. They also learned the difference between invasive, native and intrusive species, such as Long Island’s Italian Wall Lizard. Students also heard about the important work of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and how it helps protect reptiles and their habitats.
Finally, gasps and smiles filled the room as students were introduced to real reptiles, including a bearded dragon, a turtle and Pumpkin, the snake.
