Meet a live leopard gecko, corn snake, tiger salamander, and Russian tortoise while learning about reptiles and amphibians! Learners will have the opportunity to ask questions and share observations about each animal.

A photo slideshow of some of the most interesting species of reptiles and amphibians from around the world will highlight their similarities and differences and introduce fun facts. Participants will be invited to share their own stories, and Miss Amalia might tell about visiting the islands of the Komodo dragon, holding the longest snake in the world in Borneo, searching for tuataras in New Zealand, caring for baby sea turtles in Malaysia, or meeting chameleons in Madagascar. 

Discussion, games, crafts, and science experiments will help learners to have the opportunity to take a closer look at the fascinating field of herpetology. Through identifying alligator bones, turtle shells, and snake sheds and eggs, students will become familiarized with the terms for reptile body parts. Tips for finding reptiles and amphibians in your neighborhood and how to recognize frog calls will be shared, plus species checklists of common North American reptiles and amphibians. Each week will feature a different group of amphibians or reptiles. Accompanying supplemental art projects and nature exploration activities will be provided. 

Each week will be independent of each other, and learners may join at any time. No prerequisite classes are required. 

Upcoming weekly themes are listed below: 

August 19: Crocodilians

PLEASE NOTE: Class will not be held on August 26 or September 2. 

September 9: Reptiles of the World

Week of September 16: North American Frogs

Week of September 23: Poison Dart Frogs

Week of September 30: Salamanders

Week of October 7: Axolotl and Aquatic Salamanders

Week of October 14: Lizards

Week of October 21: Komodo Dragons

Week of October 28: Snakes- Constrictors

Week of November 4: Venomous Snakes

Week of November 11: Turtles and Tortoises

Week of November 18: Sea Turtles

Week of November 25: Alligators and Crocodiles

Week of December 2: Sea Snakes and Marine Iguanas

Week of December 9: The Tuatara

Week of December 16: Unusual Reptiles and Amphibians of the World

Topics covered may include: animal classification, ectothermic, reptiles, amphibians, herpetology, life-cycles, metamorphosis, insectivores, venomous snakes, crocodilians, turtles and tortoises, lizards and snakes, tuataras, Komodo dragons, monitor lizards, sea turtles, pythons, anacondas, keeled scales, and turtle shells.

Classes may run up to five minutes over the scheduled time depending on learner discussion and questions.