Home Page

Saving the Loggerhead Turtle

A Web Quest designed to help everyone appreciate one of our endangered reptiles.

Designed by

Sally Sobolewski

Lone Oak Elementary School

Spartanburg, SC  29303

SoboleS@spartanburg6.k12.sc.us

Overview/Introduction

As more and more people move to the coasts, turtle populations quickly become endangered. The slow-moving reptiles are easily captured for food by both humans and other animals, and their habitats are disappearing at a rapid rate. In the past, many thousands of the Loggerhead Turtles were killed by whalers and settlers in order to supply their ships and families with fresh meat. In the United States, construction has become a particular problem for the turtle, especially during nesting, and the turtle has now been put on South Carolina’s list of endangered animals.  

The purpose of this WebQuest is to gain some understanding of the Loggerhead Turtle and the difficulties these reptiles face as they struggle to survive against the odds. 

For standards covered, click here.

 Task

    A new house was just built on the beach.  Many people are concerned that this new construction will affect the Loggerhead Turtle nesting area.  In this Quest, you will take the role of a concerned student who will be volunteering as a member of a Turtle Watch team.  You will learn about the turtle’s needs and then research what you can do so that you can teach others to protect the turtle. Your job will be to write a persuasive  letter to the family who has moved in to the beach house, letting them know how important it is that they make their new home “turtle-friendly” and what they should do if they come across a turtle nest.  Be sure to include some details about the Loggerhead that will make the family want to care about these reptiles. 

Process

1.      You need to research the Loggerhead Turtle.  Visit four of these sites to get some background information for your letter.  If you are working in a group, be sure that you each visit different sites so that you can compare your information.

http://www.cresli.org/cresli/turtles/loggerhd.html  

Loggerhead turtle background

http://octopus.gma.org/turtles/tale2.html   

http://www.co.broward.fl.us/bri00600.htm  

 http://www.turtles.org/azturtle.htm

http://www.turtles.org/6dessay.htm

2.    Visit at least three of these sites to learn about the Turtle Watch and what its members do.

http://www.coastaldiscovery.org/pages/sea.htm   

http://www.kiawahturtles.com/Turtle%20Patrol/NestingPatrol.htm

http://www.seaturtlewatch.org/   

http://www.cnn.com/2001/CAREER/dayonthejob/10/04/stacy.wolfe.florida/   

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/03/0310_030310_turtlelight.html

3.  Visit this site to see a PowerPoint presentation.

http://www.frauleindi.com/images/turtles/slideshow2/Image1.html

 Resources

South Carolina stationery – Use this sheet for your letter.  Click on the link and print the sheet.  Close Word to return to this page.

If your letter needs more than one page, here is a second sheet for you..

Friendly letter format:  Be sure that you follow the correct format for your letter.  This link will help you.

 Evaluation

 Conclusion

    You have learned about the Loggerhead Turtle in this Quest.  It is hoped that you have a greater appreciation for this reptile and the importance of taking care of our resources to live peacefully with the other creatures of the earth. 

Home Page