Free Printables and Unit Studies About Alligators & Crocodiles
Published:
November 16, 2020
Contributor:
Jeannette Tuionetoa
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.
Of course, my kids didn’t know the difference between an alligator and crocodile. They didn’t know the difference until we moved to a place with a lot of Australians.
These free printables and unit studies about alligators & crocodiles can help you teach your kids all about their differences and similarities.
My kids grew up in Florida with a lot of ‘gators (alligators). Then we get to a place where we meet Australians and they start talking about crocodiles.
This is when I took the opportunity, like most homeschooling moms do, to teach them that there are actual differences between crocodiles and alligators.
To the naked eye of a child, there is no difference between the two, yet once you teach them what to look for in an alligator and what to look for in a crocodile, they can never un-see it.
That is pretty cool.
Do you know the difference between a crocodile and an alligator: Let’s test your knowledge:
- Which of the two, reptile or alligator, is a reptile?
- Is an alligator greener in color or is that a crocodile?
- Which of the two, when the mouth is fully closed, only show the upper teeth?
- Of the two, alligator or crocodile, which builds a nest for their young?
- Which has a narrow head and long snout?
NO CHEATING
|
*
|
*
|
So, how do you think you did?
- Both alligators and crocodiles are reptiles.
- An alligator is a dark gray or black color. The crocodile is tan or greenish-grey skin.
- When an alligator’s mouth is closed, only their top teeth are visible. When a crocodile’s mouth is closed, both the top and bottom teeth stay visible (CREEPY!)
- Both build a nest for their young… BUT an alligator build’s its nest above ground and a crocodile build’s its nest underground.
- A crocodile has a narrow head and a long snout. An alligator has a wide head and wide “U” shaped snout.
Great job homeschool parent!
It is a benefit to study both of these reptiles together as a unit. Comparing and contrasting is a great skill and alligators and crocodiles make a great topic to utilize this skill.
There are more differences to explore with these reptiles. Alligators live in North America and eastern China.
Crocodiles live in North America, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
An alligator uses its sense via sensor pits only on its head. Crocodiles have sensor pits all over its body.
Kids can also learn some really cool facts about these crocodiles and alligators. For instance, these reptiles NEVER stop growing over the course of their lives.
Cool Facts about Alligators and Crocodiles (Video) | National Geographic Kids
Check out more information below to help your kids learn all about crocodiles and alligators in your homeschool below.
Explore these Free printables and unit studies about alligators & crocodiles:
Printables to Help Your Kids Learn About Reptiles
FREE Amphibians and Reptiles Guided Drawing
Alligator vs. Crocodile FREE Worksheet | Education.com
Comprehension: What is it? Alligator or Crocodile (elementary) FREE | abcteach
The Best Alligator and Crocodile Books For Kids | Living Montessori Now
The Difference Between Alligators and Crocodiles | Tim’s Printables
Difference between Crocodile and Alligator Video | Somprakash Shukla
Alligators and Crocodiles | Ducksters
Crocodile & Alligator Differences | Science Kids
FREE Alligator Printables
Montessori-Inspired Alligator Activities Using FREE Printables | PreK + K Sharing
I Am an Alligator Differentiated Readers FREE | The Barefoot Teacher
FREE Alligator Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download) | Living Montessori Now
Alligator Fun with FREEBIES! | Izzie, Mac, and Me
FREE Alligator Lapbook | Homeschool Helper Online
American Alligator Mini-Unit FREE Notebooking Pages | Adventure Homeschool
All About Alligators FREE Download | Education.com
FREE Crocodile Printables
FREE Printable eBook C is for Crocodile | Only Passion Curiosity
Notebooking Safari-Burma and the Saltwater Crocodile (FREE) | Write Bonnie Rose
The Crocodile Educational Video for Kids | Happy Learning English
All About Crocodiles for Kids: Crocodiles of the World for Children – FreeSchool Video | Datacube
10+ (FREE) Crocodile Printables | Simple Living Creative Learning
Crocodiles: Facts & Pictures (NOTE: “Millions of years ago” warning)| Live Science
FREE Crocodile Facts & Worksheets | KidsKonnect
Crocodile Facts | Cool Kids Facts
FREE Alligator and Crocodile Crafts
Alligator and Crocodile Crafts | Danielleʻs Place
FREE Printable Alligator Craft | Learn Create Love
Alligator Craft and Paper Bag Puppet For Preschoolers | The Inspiration Edit
Paper Roll Alligator Craft | Frugal Fun 4 Boys
How to Make A Felt Alligator (ABC Felt Animals) | Wildflower Ramblings
Clothespin Craft for Kids: Make a Chomping Alligator Video | Kids Activities
Crocodile Paper Craft | DLTK-Kids
Paper Crocodile Craft | Easy Peasy and Fun
Recycled Box Crocodile Craft| My Mommy Style
It is important to note that although these reptiles are super creepy and scary, they are necessary for their ecosystem.
For example, the Nile crocodiles control a barbel catfish population in the area. If those crocodiles would be hunted off, the whole population of the barbel catfish population.
Birds in the area depend on the catfish population for food and their bird dropping provides nutrients to the soil. It is the circle of life and every animal plays a part.