In today's session Sofia and I discussed the anatomy and structures of sea turtles. She used her new knowledge to create a realistic model.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
Because Sofia was crying and very upset I could tell she wasn't going to take in much information or do well on reviewing the current subject matter. So I assisted her in creating a more accurate model of a green sea turtle for her art project.
For this session I showed Jonathan the differences between two snake species. He asked some excellent questions about the two snakes as well as other snake species. One was where the most venomous snake in the world was located.
Session Minutes
30
Minutes Student Attended
30
Lesson Comments
Substituting for Isiah and Jonathan was very into the science presentation on the snakes.
In this session Ben assisted me in presenting the differences between old world and new world snakes. As I discussed the morphological remnants and structures of my ball python he then showed the group. Ben also helped me answer questions about the snakes and gave an excellent talk about endangerment to snakes.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
Ben did very well during the presentation. Though towards the end, he got upset and left as some of the students were not listening to his excellent talk about the dangers to snakes.
In this session Cabo was interacting and observing a ball python. I had him watch how she moves without legs and have to describe how she propels herself forward.
Session Minutes
30
Minutes Student Attended
30
Lesson Comments
Cabo joined Janye and I from 1:00-1:30, so we discussed snakes.
In today's lesson Sebastian and I discussed snakes and some of the different strategies that they have. Sebastian asked some very good questions about venomous snakes and the different types of venom. We then ended the session with discussing a ball python and how snakes move without legs.
In today's session Christopher and I studied a snake. For this Christopher had to observe a ball python and identify the structures of the snake. Christopher was also able to pick up on some of the snakes behaviors.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
Christopher was very quite and non-responsive at the beginning of class. He didn't want to interact or talk to me. Once I brought out my ball python his immediate interest and focus on the snake brought him out of his shell. He overcame some beginning hesitation and fear that the snake would bite him and after that he wanted to show everyone that he was holding her.
Discussed habitat in the wild forests of Nosy Be, NW Madagascar (where I volunteer), including looking at ~30 large professional photos from my National Geographic expeditions. Explained how we are replicating those conditions (vegetation, temperature, humidity) in a terrarium at the School. Added spagnum moss to keep humidity above 70% in the terrarium. Introduced the Panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis), proper handling techniques, and why he changes colors (mood, temperature more so than to look like surroundings). Chameleons hide by movements like leaves, not just colors. Next week will overview camouflage in the animal kingdom.
Assignment
Sweep clean (no Chemicals!) field with net to bring in insects to feed to chameleon?
