Sea Turtles
In your science class, you have been learning about the sea turtle. The Texas coast is the home to the Kemp's Ridley sea turtle and is one of the few places they will go to reproduce. This turtle, along with others, are fast disappearing from our earth. Take a moment to research the sea turtles and find out how you can help.
Your job, after researching information on the sea turtle, will be to investigate the reasons why sea turtles are endangered. Once you have completed your research you will need to create a "Save the Sea Turtles" campaign that includes two or more of the following:
- a web page
- a poster
- a letter or email to a public official
- a commercial using video (See your teacher about a video camera)
- a multimedia computer presentation
- write a report about the dangers facing the sea turtle and what people are trying to do to help
- a song that will inform people about the plight of the sea turtle
What you should do in order to present this information:
- You will need to get into a team of three people.
- Brainstorm in your group to find out what you already know about sea turles.
- Create an Inspiration Web brainstorming all you know about Sea Turtles.
- Choose the type of campaign you will do and research the links below to find information about your project.
Your project should:
- summarize what should be done to protect sea turtles based on the research you found.
- include graphics and pictures to make it visually appealing.
- be persuasive.
- be presented in a professional manner.
- include references to organizations and people involved in turtle conservation.
- give resources for others to get involved.
The following sites will help you research various aspects of the sea turtle.
- The Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Recovery Plan page gives interesting facts about the sea turtle.
- The US Fish and Wildlife has a pretty good fact sheet on the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle as well.
- The Florida Vacation and Travel Guide has some interesting facts on the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle.
- This Sea World site has information on imigration, distribution and population for the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle.
- NOAA Office of Protected Animals also has a really good web site with information on the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle.
- More sea turtle facts.
- View a fact sheet with more information about the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle.
- Learn what the dangers are to sea turtles and what conservation acts you can take to help save them at this site.
- More information on the dangers and threats facing the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle.
- Find out what adults are doing to help the sea turtle.
- More strategies to help the sea turtle.
- Find out what kids can do to help the sea turtle.
Challenging Questions:
- If the Kemp's Ridley became extinct, what impact would that have on humans? What impact does it have on the environment; on ocean life in particular? How does being dark olive green on their top and light green underneath help the Kemp's Ridley Turtle in the ocean? Visit the Kemp's Ridley website.
- Visit this Padre Island website to answer the following questions: Why do you think it is important for the Texas hatchlings to imprint on the beaches of North Padre Island? Over 10,000 baby hatchlings have been released into the sea from Padre Island. Why do you think only 128 nests were found? What are the advantages of using a living tag (satellite transmitter)?
Look at the scoring Rubric for the project prior to starting so you know what is expected of you. If you have any questions about the rubric ask your teacher to give you more specifics on what he/she is looking for when it is graded.
Credits: Background courtesy of: web design graphics