Get Ready for Reptile Awareness Day on October 21st : Fun Facts to include in your Science Activities

Young kids love animals so they will be eager to learn about reptiles. The month of October offers a great opportunity as Reptile Awareness Day is observed on October 21st each year.

Whether you share these fun facts prior to a writing activity, as part of a theme day or classroom transformation, or include in your animal classification science unit, your students will be amazed by the features that make reptiles different from other living things.

Enhance your own knowledge along with the knowledge of your students with the fun facts below.

Facts about Reptiles for Reptile Awareness Day

1. Most reptiles lay eggs.

They are called oviparous. The few reptiles who live in water will move to land to lay eggs. However, there are some snakes that give birth to live young.

2. Reptiles are cold blooded.

They cannot produce their own body heat. Reptiles often are seen resting on rocks as they bask in the sun in an attempt to warm themselves.

3. Reptiles have dry, scaly skin.

They do not have feathers or hair like many other living things.

4. Reptiles use lungs to breath air.

Even aquatic reptiles such as sea turtles and crocodiles must surface to breathe.

5. Reptiles have a backbone.

Animals with a backbone are called vertebrates.

6. Most reptiles live on land.

Sea turtles and alligators move to dry land to lay eggs.

7. Dinosaurs were reptiles.

Even though dinosaurs are now extinct, it’s important to include them in the reptile classification… especially since most kids love dinosaurs.

8. Reptiles can vary in size.

The Bookesia nana is the smaillest reptile at only 1/2 inch.

The world’s largest reptile is the salt water crocodile which can be just over 20 feet long.

9. 28 states in the USA have designated an official state reptile.

The painted turtle is the most popular being selected by four states.

Do you live in a state which has an official reptile?

Some of the most well known reptiles include:

snakes, turtles (tortoises), lizards, and crocodiles (alligators).

Let’s not forget: Within the lizard category, there are also

iguanas, chameleons, and geckos.

9 Fun Facts about Reptiles

Most reptiles lay eggs
Reptiles are cold blooded
Reptiles have dry, scaly skin
Reptiles use lungs to breath air
Reptiles have a backbone
Most reptiles live on land
Dinosaurs were reptiles
Reptiles vary in size
28 US states have official reptiles

Share these fun facts with your students as your class celebrates Reptile Awareness Day on October 21.

Not only will your students boost their knowledge about reptiles specifically, but they will also build their awareness of the wide variety of animals in the world around them.