Do geckos live in the rainforest? Asking questions and discovering the answers are wonderful ways for kids to learn about the world around them. Too, you’ll love my Rain Forest – Animals of the Amazon page.
What is the largest reptile? Let’s answer some of those questions for them.
Reptiles are fascinating and can be found on every continent except Antarctica.
So, wherever you are there are amazing reptiles to observe and learn about. Most kids are fascinated with this topic.
I have learned that kids get so much more out of a lesson when they do rather than just listen.
For example, today we’re creating a replica of a real lizard like the Turnip Tailed Gecko from the Amazon Rainforest.
I can tell you that years from now they will remember facts they learned about it, like how their mouth is black inside, or that they sacrifice their tail to escape predators and the funny-looking way it regenerates.
Questions and Answers About Reptiles
First, look at some facts about reptiles.
- What defines a reptile? Reptiles are air-breathing, cold-blooded vertebrates that have scaly bodies rather than hair or feathers; most reptile species are egg-laying (but not all).
- What kinds of animals are reptiles? Lizards, snakes, turtles, alligators, and crocodiles.
- Do Geckos live in the rainforest? Yes! You will find geckos like the Turnip Tailed Gecko, Bridled Forest Geckos, and the Amazon Lava Lizard to name a few. In fact, geckos live on all the continents except Antarctica.
- What is the world’s largest reptile? That title goes to the saltwater crocodile, one was even recorded at over 20’ long.
- How many different types of reptiles are there? There are more than 8,200 different species of reptiles, most of these are snakes and lizards.
5 More Questions and Answers About Reptiles
- Do all snakes lay eggs? No only about 70% do, but snakes in colder climates have live births because the eggs would not survive the cold.
- What is the biggest species of lizard in the world? That would be the Komodo dragon, it can grow as big as 10 feet long.
- What are turtle shells made of? A turtle’s shell is made of bone and is a part of the turtle’s spine. It is made out of two pieces, the carapace (top) and the plastron (bottom), and covered in scoots that are made of keratin.
- How fast can alligators run? Alligators can run up to 35 mph for very brief periods, which is faster than Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world.
- Do chameleons really change colors to blend in? Blending in is not the main purpose. Their natural appearance allows them to blend in well with their habitat and evade predation. Another reason is that chameleons can’t regulate their own body temperatures, they change their skin color to reflect or absorb sunlight and thereby deflect or absorb different amounts of heat. Yet another reason for the color change is that changes in the chameleon color may also signify a chameleon’s mood.
Also, add one of these books to your lists.
Note I prefer living books more than textbooks. So, I know you’ll find some of them helpful.
Reptile Books and Resources
Add some of these books and resources about reptiles to your library.
A fascinating picture book biography of a pioneering female scientist who loved reptiles!While other girls played with dolls, Joan preferred the company of reptiles. She carried her favorite lizard with her everywhere--she even brought a crocodile to school!When Joan grew older, she became the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum. She went on to design the Reptile House at the London Zoo, including a home for the rumored-to-be-vicious komodo dragons. There, just like when she was a little girl, Joan hosted children's tea parties--with her komodo dragon as the guest of honor.
See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.Nature Anatomy is the second book in Rothman's Anatomy series – you'll love Nature Anatomy Notebook, Ocean Anatomy, Food Anatomy, and Farm Anatomy, too!
Sink your fangs into the hidden worlds of these scaly and sensational creatures with leading reptile scientist and National Geographic Explorer Dr. Ruchira Somaweera as your guide.Meet the coolest cold-blooded animals ever. From lizards to snakes, turtles to crocodiles, something called a tuatara, and even enormous prehistoric reptiles (think real-life sea monsters!), you’ll discover what makes a reptile a reptile; how these creatures live, hunt, hide, and raise their young, and the wild adaptations that make them so unique. Learn which snake is the most venomous on the planet and which are surprisingly gentle creatures, which reptile is born with a highly developed third eye in its forehead, and which one is so tiny it could balance on the tip of your finger—plus loads of super important conservation information and impactful ways to join the fight to save endangered reptile species right from home!
- PLAY & LEARN: Professor Noggin’s series of educational card games encourages kids to learn interesting facts about their favorite subjects.
- FUN FACTS: How about Reptiles versus Amphibians?! That's just one of the topic cards in this kids card game. Find out more fun facts from Eggs to the Komodo Dragon!
A great book that parents could read for kids and also includes fun trivia!!
Dramatic incidents preface descriptions of reptiles ranging from crocodiles and cobras to turtles and tuataras
Additionally, I have more hands-on ideas for learning about reptiles.
Hands-On Reptile Activities
Besides our Turnip Tailed Gecko craft, grab a few more of these hands-on reptile activities to supplement your study.
- Gila Monster Craft
- Fun Easy Amazon Rainforest Crafts and Make a Bubble Wrap Pattern Anaconda
- Paper Roll Frilled Neck Lizard
- Popsicle Stick Crocodile
- 10 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts and How to Make A Fun Iguana
- A Color of His Own: Chameleon Watercolor Project
Finally, look how to make this foam turnip tailed gecko.
Make a Turnip Tailed Gecko Craft from The Amazon Rainforest
You can copy my directions or use the general idea and choose a different lizard, adding its own unique features to your steps.
You will need:
- Craft foam-green, pink
- Google eyes
- Black paint/marker
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Tacky glue
First, we found an image of the gecko we wanted to recreate on Google.
Draw your lizard onto craft foam with a pencil.
I found it easiest to draw the abdomen, head, and tail, leaving space for the legs that were a little more difficult.
Then I drew in the legs and toes, erasing and redoing them quite a bit.
Those little feet and toes are tricky to get right.
Cut out your outline once you are happy with your lizard shape.
Trace and cut out the head onto another small scrap of craft foam.
Then your child can create an open mouth showing off the turnip-tailed geckos’ important feature of a black mouth interior and pink tongue.
Color with a permanent marker or paint one side of this piece as well as the underside of the head on the main lizard shape black.
Cut a small pink tongue from craft foam.
Once dried completely glue the mouth and tongue into place, only at the back so it can open.
Draw slits over the googly eyes to give them a bit more of a lizard look and glue them into place.
Finally, add the skin coloration details with markers or paint.
To give it a more subtle look I painted random squiggles and dots on a scrap of foam and stamped it on the lizard.
