Snakes

Objectives:

• Students will be able to describe the physical characteristics of snakes.

• Students will be able to identify the behavioral characteristics of snakes.

Suggested Grades:

3rd Grade - 4th Grade - 5th Grade

Lesson Procedure:

Print the reading comprehension worksheet passage and questions (see below).

Students should read the passage silently, then answer the questions. Teachers may also use the text as part of a classroom lesson plan.

Lesson Excerpt:

There are thousands of species of snakes - about 2,700 to be exact. Snakes are long, slithering reptiles that have no legs. About 375 species of snakes are poisonous, while the rest are basically harmless. A snake's body shape depends on where it lives. Snakes that live in the water are usually flat, while those that live in trees are long and slim with the ability to coil around branches easily. Snakes that live in soil are more compact and able to dig. Snakes come in many colors. Poisonous snakes are usually the brightest and most colorful. Their markings serve as warnings to other animals. Snakes with dull colors are usually able to blend into their surroundings so they can catch their prey by surprise.

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