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Alligator Alley

Alligator Alley

Create art that focuses on how alligators are impacted by humans and changes in the environment.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Craft Sticks
  • Heavy Paper
  • Paper Clip(s)

Steps

  • Step 1

    Ask students to gather information about alligators, including where they live and necessities for their survival. Discuss the effects of pollution and climate change on their habitats. Generate a list of actions people can take to reduce the negative effects to their environment.

  • Step 2

    Have students paint an alligator in its habitat, using several layers of paint in color patterns that suit the setting. They can use a craft stick or paper clip to scrape away the top layer of paint after it is dry, which will reveal a color from a lower layer of the heavy board base. Encourage them to scratch out curved lines which convey the alligator's movement in the water. They can use the same technique to give texture to the alligator's skin and show the wind moving blades of vegetation.

  • Step 3

    Display the artwork along with the recommendations the students came up with to protect these creatures and their environment.

Standards

LA: Add drawings or other visual displays to written text to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

LA: Engage effectively in collaborative discussions (one-on-one, groups, and teacher-led) to build on others' ideas and express thoughts clearly.

SCI: Ask questions, make observations, articulate hypotheses, define problems, plan and carry out investigations.

SCI: Design pictorial or graphic representations/ models that are useful in communicating ideas.

SCI: Use evidence to support the concept that behaviors can be influenced by the environment and the environment is impacted by behavior.

Adaptations

Students can research the difference between alligators and crocodiles and illustrate their findings. They can then present their art with a compare/contrast list of the differences. A suggested book source is "All Things Crocodiles and Alligators For Kids" by Animal Reads.

Alligators were once on the endangered species list, but populations improved after various laws were enacted. What are some current endangered species? What can be done to increase these species' populations?