From cobras and copperheads to pythons and boas, all types of snakes are
covered in this book of 40 science experiments, art projects, and games
that help budding herpetologists gain a greater appreciation for these
slithering reptiles. Activities include making foldable fangs to learn
how snakes' teeth and jaws work together; simulating cytotoxic snake
venom while making a tasty snack using an everyday enzyme found in
pineapple; and mimicking the sound a rattlesnake makes using a rubber
band, a paper clip, and an envelope. Engaging, simple, and safe
experiments teach kids about the biology of snakes, such as how they use
their tongues and nostrils to detect smells, how they are cold-blooded
and sensitive to subtle changes in temperature, and how they can detect
the slightest vibrations or tremors. Kids do not need a snake for any of
the activities and will delight in all the strange snake facts and
gross-out projects such as Snake Stink--where they create their own
signature stink and test how well it repels potential predators.
Did you know...
- Snakes do not need to be coiled to strike. They can strike from any
position, even underwater!
- Cobras and coachwhips are two of the few snakes that can move in a
straight line forward while keeping their upper body raised off the
ground
- Snake venom can actually help humans too: a blood pressure medicine
was developed from the venom of a Brazilian pit viper, and over 60
other treatments have been created from snake venoms