Reptiles Printables

Eastern Box Turtle — Lynne Stone / Getty Images

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Updated on March 16, 2019

Reptiles are a group of vertebrates that includes crocodiles, lizards, snakes, and turtles. Reptiles have some specific characteristics in common, including:

They are four-legged vertebrate animals.
Most lay eggs.
Their skin is covered with scales (or scutes).
They have cold-blooded metabolisms.

Because they are cold-blooded, or ectothermic, reptiles must bask in the sun to increase their internal body temperature, which in turn, allows for a higher level of activity (as a rule, warm lizards run faster than cool lizards). When they overheat, reptiles shelter in the shade to cool down, and at night many species are virtually immobile.

Teach students about these and other interesting reptile facts with free printables offered in the following slides.

01

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Reptiles Wordsearch

In this first activity, students will locate 10 words commonly associated with reptiles. Use the activity to discover what they already know about reptiles and spark discussion about terms with which they're unfamiliar.

02

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Reptiles Vocabulary

In this activity, students match each of the 10 words from the word bank with the appropriate definition. It’s a perfect way for students to learn key terms associated with reptiles.

03

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Reptiles Crossword Puzzle

Invite your students to learn more about reptiles by matching the clues with the appropriate terms in this crossword puzzle. Each key term has been included in a word bank to make the activity accessible for younger students.

04

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Reptiles Challenge

This multiple-choice challenge will test your students' knowledge of the facts related to reptiles. Let your children or students practice their research skills by investigating reptiles at your local library or on the internet.

05

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Reptiles Alphabet Activity

Elementary-age students can practice their alphabetizing skills with this activity. They'll place the words associated with reptiles in alphabetical order.

06

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Reptiles Draw and Write

Young children or students can draw a picture related to reptiles and write a short sentence about their drawing. To spark their interest, show students pictures of reptiles before they begin to draw.

07

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Fun with Reptiles - Tic-Tac-Toe

Prepare ahead of time by cutting the pieces off at the dotted line and then cutting the pieces apart, or have older children do this themselves. Then, have fun to play reptile tic-tac-toe—featuring alligators and snakes—with your students.

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Reptiles Theme Paper

Have students research facts about reptiles, on the internet or in books, and then write a brief synopsis of what they learned on this reptile theme paper. To motivate students, show a brief documentary on reptiles before they tackle the paper.

09

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Reptiles Puzzle - Turtle

Have students cut out the pieces of this turtle puzzle and then reassemble them. Use this printable to give a brief lesson on turtles, including the fact that they have been evolving for over 250 million years.