Free Printables and Unit Studies About Alligators & Crocodiles

Published:
November 16, 2020

Contributor:
Jeannette Tuionetoa

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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.

Free Printables and Unit Studies About Alligators & Crocodiles

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:

  1. Which of the two, reptile or alligator, is a reptile?
  2. Is an alligator greener in color or is that a crocodile?
  3. Which of the two, when the mouth is fully closed, only show the upper teeth?
  4. Of the two, alligator or crocodile, which builds a nest for their young?
  5. Which has a narrow head and long snout?

NO CHEATING

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So, how do you think you did?

  1. Both alligators and crocodiles are reptiles.
  2. An alligator is a dark gray or black color. The crocodile is tan or greenish-grey skin.
  3. 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!)
  4. Both build a nest for their young… BUT an alligator build’s its nest above ground and a crocodile build’s its nest underground.
  5. 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

Printables to Help Your Kids Learn About Reptiles text with image example of a reptile

FREE Amphibians and Reptiles Guided Drawing

Free Amphibians & Reptiles Guided Drawing text with image of a crocodile

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 Best Alligator and Crocodile Books for Kids text with image examples of various kid\'s books

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

Free Alligator Cutting Strips Montessori Inspired Instant Download

Alligator Fun with FREEBIES! | Izzie, Mac, and Me

FREE Alligator Lapbook | Homeschool Helper Online

American Alligator Mini-Unit FREE Notebooking Pages | Adventure Homeschool

three different examples of printable template pages for studying alligators and crocodiles

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

Saltwater Crocodile Notebooking Safari text with image example of a crocodile

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.

Free Printables and Unit Studies About Alligators & Crocodiles