An Introduction to Reptiles using Pokémon - Videos + Extension Activities

Explore the taxonomy and traits of reptiles, using popular Pokemon as a guide! This course is an introduction to reptiles with a Pokemon twist. Students will study the characteristics of reptiles, how they are divided into four orders, and examples of Pokemon that fit into these reptile orders.

▬▬▬▬▬▬ VIDEOS, ACTIVITIES, AND MORE ▬▬▬▬▬▬

• This course has four parts to it. Parts 1 and 3 consist of a downloadable video presentation (48 and 41 minutes long) hosted on Google Drive, along with some resources and extension activities to expand the students’ understanding. Parts 2 and 4 are DIY Pokemon projects.

• In a regular school setting, these materials are ideal for reverse instruction or a flipped classroom unit. For instance, you can assign the video recording to watch at home for homework, and then use the extension activities for class projects. The recordings also work well for sub days and much-needed sanity days!

• If you are using these materials in a home school setting, you could choose to do one part per day or one part per week, doing the projects as time allows. Feel free to have your child email me at lauren.rae.ard@gmail.com, if they have any questions or want to share what they’ve done with the materials.

• This unit also includes a link to my notes and Prezi presentation I use throughout the course, in case you want to give some of the presentation, or expand on the material yourself. Please keep in mind that the video may not match up exactly with the notes and lecture materials, because I do alter and add to my notes as time goes on.

▬▬▬▬▬▬ COURSE SUMMARY ▬▬▬▬▬▬

Part 1 (48 minute recording plus extension activities)

• Introduction

• Taxonomy

• Characteristics of Reptiles

• Crocodilia (gharials, crocodiles, alligators, and caimans)

• Testudines (turtles and tortoises)

• Rhynchocephalia (tuataras)

Part 2: DIY Pokemon Project (make a Pokemon based on a tuatara)

Part 3 (41 minute recording plus extension activities)

• Squamata

• Worm Lizards

• Lizards

• Snakes

Part 4: DIY Pokemon Project (make a Pokemon based on a worm lizard)

▬▬▬▬▬▬ LEARNING OBJECTIVES ▬▬▬▬▬▬

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Describe how scientists classify living things into categories.
• List the defining characteristics of all reptiles.
• Cite some examples of reptiles from each of the four orders.
• Compare and contrast their favorite reptile Pokemon with the real deal.
• Describe some interesting facts about some of the more unique reptiles.