Mimics Survive -- Camouflaged Reptiles
Grade Levels: 5 - 12
The milksnake, kingsnake, and coralsnake have similar coloration. The harmless kingsnake and milksnake appear to be mimicking the patterns and colors of the poisonous coralsnakes.
Objective
Students will recognize how successful the mimicry strategy is for confusing predators...in this case, them!
Materials
- Drawings of Mexican milksnake and coralsnake
- Teacher guide to coloring Mexican milksnake and coralsnake
Procedure
- Cut out the figures of the two snakes, color them in as indicated, and hand them out to groups of three to four students.
- Have students examine both figures independently and talk about the identifying characteristics (colors and patterns). Point out that the coralsnake can defend itself with a poisonous bite. Have students put the figures out of sight until step 4.
- Discuss how bright and distinct coloration is used to warn predators away from toxic prey. Give other examples of animals that use warning colors, such as the eastern newt and monarch butterfly.
- Now have the students mix the figures up and try to identify which figure is which species. Can they tell them apart? Would you go near any of these snakes in the wild? What advantage does the Mexican milksnake gain from mimicking the coralsnake?
Excerpted fromHands-On Herpetology.
Provided by the National Science Teachers Association.
Asian-Pacific-American Heritage Month
May is Asian-Pacific-American Heritage Month! Don't overlook this opportunity to study and enjoy activities about the history and culture of Asian-Pacific American communities.
The recent rash of tornadoes in Oklahoma, which killed at least two dozen people, may have your students wondering why such natural disasters occur, how they may be affected by them, and what they can do to help. Use these resources to teach the geography of Oklahoma and the Southwestern United States, to explain tornadoes, and to discuss the resulting crises with your class.
Top 10 Galleries
Explore our most popular Top 10 galleries, from Top 10 Behavior Management Tips for the Classroom and Top 10 Classroom Organization Tips from Veteran Teachers to Top 10 Free (& Cheap) Rewards for Students and Top 10 Things Every Teacher Needs in the Classroom. We'll help you get organized and prepared for every classroom situation, holiday, and more! Check out all of our galleries today.
May Calendar of Events
May is full of holidays and events that you can incorporate into your standard curriculum. Our Educators' Calendar outlines activities for each event, including: Backyard Games Week (5/23-29) and Memorial Day (5/27). Plus, celebrate Asian-Pacific-American Heritage Month, Clean Air Month, and Physical Fitness & Sports Month all May long!
Common Core Lessons & Resources
Is your school district adopting the Common Core? Work these new standards into your curriculum with our reading, writing, speaking, social studies, and math lessons and activities. Each piece of content incorporates the Common Core State Standards into the activity or lesson.

