Slithering Snake

Slithering Snake lesson plan

Learn about snake habits and habitats, then create your own model of a snake in its natural surroundings.

  • 1.

    Independently, or in small groups of younger or special-needs students, research the types of snakes that live in your area. Find out what kind of habitat in which each snake lives. For example, in Australia, the green tree python or the Emerald Tree Boa, is found in trees in the rain forest. The Common Kingsnake is popular in North and Central America. This snake is black and white in California, but different shades in other areas.

  • 2.

    Using Crayola® Model Magic, mold one snake that you might find in your backyard or a park nearby. Find pictures of the snake so you can show details such as its teeth, markings, or rattles.

  • 3.

    Cover your work area with newspaper. Paint your snake with Crayola Washable Tempera Paints and Crayola Paint Brushes. Dry.

  • 4.

    Some snakes have intricate stripes and designs. An Eastern Coral Snake has rings of red, black, and white that are so bright they look like they were just colored. Use Crayola Glitter Glue to make your snake's designs.

  • 5.

    Create your snake's natural habitat with items such as potting soil, twigs, leaves, or grass in a box. Glue materials to the box with Crayola School Glue. Dry. Place your snake in its natural surroundings.

Benefits

  • Students research information about snakes that live in their region, identifying their markings and habitats.
  • Students create a diorama with a sculpted local snake living in a replica of its natural habitat.

Adaptations

  • Students write a report about their snake's habitat, eating habits, and protection devices. For example, some snakes, such as the Egg-Eating Snake, feed on birds' eggs.
  • Compare and contrast various snakes. Each one is unique. Students can find the difference between back-fanged snakes and front-fanged snakes. A back-fanged snake will only eat small animals and is not harmful to humans.
  • Students give oral presentations about their snakes with a puppet show, and then display their projects. The snakes talk about their lives and what it is like to be a reptile that slithers.