Turtle Detectives
​Inquiry Activity
​A learning activity by Tom J. McConnell
& Rebecca Tripp, Ball State University. 
Produced for Conservation Tales: Sea Turtles (2018)

Scientists who study sea turtles work with many different species of sea turtles. In places where sea turtles live or nest, two or more species are likely to share a habitat. One of the skills these scientists need is the ability to identify which species of turtle they see. 

In this activity, you will learn about the characteristics of four types of sea turtles found in the Gulf of Mexico. The features you will learn about are shells, the scales on their shells and skin ("scutes"), and even the tracks they leave in the sand when they lay eggs. Then you will test your ability to identify sea turtles using these characteristics.
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Objectives:

• I can describe differences between types of sea turtles.
• I can identify sea turtles by their characteristics.
• I can name some of the parts of a sea turtle.

For the Teacher
Grade Level: 3-5
Class Periods: 1-2

NGSS Standards
Performance Expectations

• 2-LS4-1

​Practices 

• Analyzing and Interpreting Data

​Disciplinary Core Ideas

• LS4.D

​Croscutting Concepts

• Patterns

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Conservation Tales acknowledge support from Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.