Living Systems Communications II Second Grade Brenda Rone, Susan Gentry, and Bridgett Niedringhaus Hazelwood School District

Second Grade, Show Me Standard CA 1 and 3 Teacher Page Second Grade, Show Me Standard CA 1 and 3 The elements of Living Systems and communication skills are integrated in the activities. We suggest that students keep a journal. It is critical for students to use writing skills to explain answers. When you see this symbol students should use their journals. Please take time to discuss possible answers. Click to go to each new screen.

Non-fiction Activity

Reptiles Reptiles belong to a group Cold-blooded- body temperature is same as the air around them. Vertebrate- an animal with a backbone. Reptiles belong to a group of animals called vertebrates. They are cold-blooded and breathe through their lungs. Most reptiles hatch from eggs, and while the young look much like their parents, they may be colored differently. Most reptiles are meat-eaters and feed on the prey in their environment. Prey- the creatures another animal hunts and eats.

The tortoise is one member of the reptile family The tortoise is one member of the reptile family. It lives entirely on land, has scaly skin, and a hard shell to cover its body. Unlike most reptiles, the tortoise eats grass, fruit, and plants. Some tortoises have been known to live up to 100 years and weigh over 500 pounds. The turtle also belongs to the family of reptiles. Most turtles have hard shells, but some water turtles have soft shell. All turtles have scaly skin. Turtles can live both on land or in water. Turtles feed on earthworms, snails, insects, fish, or anything it can catch.

Questions 1. Give an example of how the shell of a tortoise or turtle could help them in times of danger. 2. Are you cold-blooded? Explain 3. Are you a vertebrate? Explain Answers next

Answers 1. In times of danger the turtle and tortoise can pull their bodies inside the shell to protect it from predators, such as a fox or coyote. 2. Humans are not cold-blooded. Their body temperatures stay the same. We sweat when we are hot and shiver when we are cold. To adjust to our environment we change types of clothing and shelters. For example, in the winter we use heat in our homes and we wear coats and gloves. In the summer, we use air-conditioning to cool our homes and we wear shorts or light weight clothing. Answers continued……….

3. Humans are vertebrates. We have a backbone, or spine 3. Humans are vertebrates. We have a backbone, or spine. The backbone allows us to bend and twist.

Complete the following Venn Diagram using information from the story. to story turtle tortoise live on land or in water live only on land cold- blooded answers

Venn Diagram turtle tortoise live on land or in water live only on land shell cold- blooded soft or hard shell vertebrate hard shell scaly skin plant-eater meat-eater reptile End of Activity