Lizards vs salamanders adaptations / Lesson Plan

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Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to compare and contrast the adaptations of lizards and salamanders.

Materials and Prep

  • Paper and pencil
  • Access to the internet or books about lizards and salamanders

Activities

  1. Research: Use the provided resources to gather information about lizards and salamanders. Take notes on their physical characteristics, habitats, and adaptations.

  2. Comparison Chart: Create a chart or Venn diagram to compare and contrast the adaptations of lizards and salamanders. Include categories such as body structure, skin type, habitat, diet, and locomotion.

  3. Illustration: Choose one adaptation of lizards or salamanders that you find interesting. Create an illustration that showcases this adaptation and label its purpose.

Third Grade Talking Points

  • "Lizards and salamanders are both types of reptiles and amphibians, respectively."
  • "Reptiles have scaly skin and are cold-blooded, while amphibians have smooth skin and are cold-blooded as well."
  • "Lizards have dry, scaly skin that helps them retain moisture and protect themselves from predators, while salamanders have smooth, moist skin that allows them to breathe through it."
  • "Lizards are found in various habitats, such as deserts, forests, and grasslands, while salamanders are mostly found in damp or aquatic environments."
  • "Lizards are carnivorous and eat insects, small mammals, and other reptiles, while salamanders are mostly carnivorous as well, feeding on insects, small fish, and worms."
  • "Lizards move by crawling or running on their legs, while salamanders have a unique way of moving called 'undulating' where they wiggle their bodies from side to side."