Tortoises, renowned for being slow and steady creatures, are land-dwelling reptiles that can be found grazing on plants and grasses throughout the day. This herbivorous species typically inhabits environments with warmer temperatures, from islands in the Pacific Ocean to the arid Sahara desert region in Africa. Tortoises have adapted to be able to survive in harsher conditions over time. With their thick, sturdy legs, dome-shaped shells, and beak-like mouth, each unique physical characteristic of a tortoise aids in their survival and longevity.
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In our five-day unit plan on tortoises, designed specifically for elementary-aged students, children will become herpetologists, investigating more about where tortoises live, what they eat, the differences between tortoises and turtles, and how tortoises are portrayed in fiction stories. Included in the unit plan are five days’ worth of comprehensive daily lesson plans, instructional materials, printable activity worksheets, graphic organizers, comprehension questions, writing prompts, vocabulary activities and more!
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