Handbook of Nature-Study · Lesson LII · Topic 5: Reptile study
52. The turtle
Goal: Your child can describe how a turtle's shell protects it, compare the upper and lower shells, and tell how land and water turtles differ.
You'll need
- A pond with basking turtles, or a nature center, zoo or friend's pet turtle
- Binoculars
- Paper and pencil for shell drawings
- Nature notebook
What's in the book
The leading thought, the method (a turtle of any kind is all that is needed) and twelve questions about how much of the turtle shows, the upper and lower shells and their plates, the shell's border, head, eyes and eyelid, nose, mouth and throat, legs, claws and webbed feet, swimming, the tail, skin, enemies and sounds, food and kinds of turtles, and eggs. A photograph of a snapping turtle is on the page.
The lesson, step by step
When and where
Late spring through early fall. Painted turtles and sliders bask in rows on logs in ponds on sunny mornings. Box turtles wander in woods and fields after summer rains. A nature center or a family's pet turtle is good for a close look.
Safety: turtles often carry salmonella germs. Wash hands with soap after touching any turtle, its water or its tank. Never touch a snapping turtle: it bites hard and has a long neck. Don't take wild turtles home; box turtles in particular live their whole lives in one small area, and many states protect them.
Keep the big idea in mind
Read this to yourself:
The turtle's shell is for the purpose of protecting its owner from the attack of enemies. Some turtles live upon land and others in water.
How much shows?
How much can you see of the turtle when it is walking? If you disturb it what does it do? How much of it can you see then?
At a pond, count how many basking turtles slide into the water as you walk closer.
Two shells
Compare the upper shell with the lower as follows: How are they shaped differently? What is their difference in color?
Would it be a disadvantage to the turtle if the upper shell were as light colored as the lower? Why?
Comstock asks for a drawing of both shells showing the shapes of the plates.
Head and eyes
How far does the turtle's head project from the front of the shell? What is the shape of the head? With what colors and pattern is it marked?
Describe the mouth. Are there any teeth? With what does it bite off its food?
Feet and swimming
How many claws on the front feet? Are any of the toes webbed? On which feet are the webbed toes? Why should they be webbed?
Describe the way a turtle swims. Which feet are used for oars?
Eggs and enemies
What are the turtle's enemies? How does it escape from them?
How do turtle eggs look? Where are they laid? How are they hidden?
In late spring, mother turtles may cross roads and lawns to dig nests in sandy soil. Leave nests alone.
Nature notebook
Draw the top and bottom shell side by side, every plate outlined, as Comstock asks. Write whether your turtle lives on land or in water and how you can tell from its feet. Then ask your child to say the leading thought in their own words.
Afterwards
Comstock's question 11 asks children to "write an account of all the species of turtles that you know." Keep a list of every kind you see this year.
Tip
If you see a turtle crossing a road, an adult may help it across in the direction it was heading, if it is safe to stop, but never pick up a snapping turtle.