Crocodiles and Alligators 

This lesson will introduce primary students to large reptiles: crocodiles and  alligators.  Students will study the size, diet, physical characteristics, raising of young, and habitat of these reptiles.  They will learn about the similarities and differences between crocodiles and  alligators. 

(Once you visit any of these sites, use the "back  button" on the browser to return to this lesson.)

1.    These animals are the largest REPTILES in the world.  To find out more about REPTILES, click on these site.
Answer question 1. below

    http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/ and  click on Reptile House on that page.

2.    Crocodiles and alligators belong to the same family.  This family of animals are called CROCODILIANS.  Click on each of these sites. Print out a picture of the American Alligator and the American Crocodile for sites 2 and 3.  Then write four ways that they are different.

•     http://webtech.kennesaw.edu/scoggin/wquest.htm      
•     http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/reptiles/alligator/coloring.shtml
•     http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/reptiles/crocodile/Amcrocprintout.shtml

3.    Where do crocodiles and alligators make their home?  They like to live in a HABITAT which is swampy and warm.  Everglades National Park  has swamps where both alligators and crocodiles live.  Click on these web sites to learn more about SWAMPS and EVERGLADE NATIONAL PARK.  

Question:  Where is Everglades National Park?  

•     http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/ and click on THE SWAMP on that page.
•     http://www.sierraclub.org/wilderness/report%5F1999/national/everglades.html

4.    Crocodiles and alligators only live in certain parts of the world.  Click on this site to find the "distribution" (where they live) of the American alligator and the slender-snouted crocodile.  Write your answer on the "trip sheet."

    http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/crocs/whos/   (Click on "non JavaScript version".)

5.    Crocodiles and alligators have SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS which help them survive.  Click on this site and answer the question "Why do    crocodiles prefer "calm water"?

    http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/crocs/clickable/  

6.    Crocodiles and alligators are CARNIVORES or MEAT-EATERS.  Click on this site and scroll down to see what animals they like to eat.         List five animals that would be on their menu.

    http://webtech.kennesaw.edu/scoggin/wquest.htm

7.    Crocodiles and alligators lived at the same time as dinosaurs.  Check out this web site and write the names of three ancient crocodilians on your sheet.

    http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/reptiles/alligator/Alligator.shtml 

• http://www.sierraclub.org/wilderness/report%5F1999/national/everglades.html  This is the link to the Sierra Club's assessment to the health of  Everglade National Park.  Sierra lays out its plan on how to protect and restore the park to its natural state.
• http://www.sierraclub.org/wilderness/report%5F1999/national/everglades.html  This site includes a bibliography listing books which provide general information about alligators and crocodiles.  also great
• http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/  and click on THE SWAMP. There is an explanation of swamps and good pic of alligator.
• http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/  and click on REPTILE HOUSE. It defines what a reptile is and how the reptile house at the zoo give it the right environment.
• http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/199907/glades.htm "Splendor in the Swamp"  how "Alligators are the original engineers of the Everglades.
• http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/reptiles/alligator/coloring.shtml  Coloring page and short description of "alligators."
• http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/reptiles/crocodile/Amcrocprintout.shtml  Coloring page for crocodiles
• http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/reptiles/alligator/Alligator.shtml  All about alligators.  Kids' site.  Very good.
• http://www.enchantedlearning.com/cgi-bin/F2ge.cgi/http://www.EnchantedLearning.com/subjects/Alligator.shtml
good site for kids on alligators; good pictures of alligators
• http://www2.lhric.org/pocantico/5thgrade99/animals.htm  stories about endangered animals written by 5th grade students;  good samples for students.
• http://www2.lhric.org/pocantico/5thgrade99/amcroc.htm  same site as above with story of amer. croc..
• http://www2.lhric.org/pocantico/5thgrade99/alligator.htm  same site as above with story of amer. alligator
• http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/scripts/htmlgen.exe?DOCUMENT_UW003  Quite dry, but clear info on crocs and gators
• http://www.cyhaus.com/marine/crocs.htm  Good pic of alligator; easy explanation of why they almost became extinct.
• http://www.libra-mmsystemh.demon.nl/  Very colorful history of the relationship of crocodiles and alligators to humans in history

Internet Trip Sheet for Alligators and Crocodiles

1. What is another name for "cold-blooded"?
   ______________________________________________
   What controls the body temperature of reptiles?
   ______________________________________________
2. List four ways that crocodiles and alligators are different.
   1. ______________________________________________
   2. ______________________________________________
   3. ______________________________________________
   4. ______________________________________________
3. Where is the Everglades National Park?
   ______________________________________________
4. Write the "distribution area" for these animals: 
   • American alligator:
     ______________________________________________
   • Slender-snouted crocodile:
     ______________________________________________
5. Why do crocodiles prefer "calm water:?
   ___________________________________________________________________
   
   ___________________________________________________________________
6. List five animals that crocodiles and alligators eat.
   1. ______________________________________________
   2. ______________________________________________
   3. ______________________________________________
   4. ______________________________________________
   5. ______________________________________________
7. The names of three ancient crocidilians are:
   1. ______________________________________________
   2. ______________________________________________
   3. ______________________________________________