Lesson Plan

Topic:                              Snakes of Pakistan 
Level:                              Lower Secondary Classes (VI-VIII)
Time:                              40-45 minutes (three classes)
Subject:                          Science
Research Material:         Published Research Material and Internet Resources
PDF Version:                  Click here to download PDF version of Lesson Plan

Objectives

Knowing:

At the end of the lesson the students would be able to:

• Know the scientific, common and local names of  the snake species that inhabit Pakistan 
• Describe the distinguishing features, habit and habitat, distribution   
• Discuss the importance of snakes in the ecosystem and its benefits for our economy.
• Know the difference between poisonous and non-poisonous snakes.
• Define the threats to the snakes of Pakistan and highlight the measures to address these threats

Doing:

At the end/during the lesson

• Collect information about the Snakes of Pakistan through different sources such as library research (books, magazines, pamphlets, internet), visits to various institutions such as the Wild life Department and Zoological Survey Department.     
• Develop and  deliver presentations about the various snakes found in Pakistan.
• Think of suggestions for conservation of snakes .
• Visit institutions working on snakes to get first hand information.
• Talk to their families and friends about the important role of snakes and its threats

Feeling:

At the end/ during the lesson:

• Overcome some of the fears attached to snakes.
• Feel the sensitivities of the myth related to snakes.
• Become sensitive to the impacts of excessive killings of snakes on our environment.
• Realizing the importance of snakes in the ecosystem.

Presentation of the Lesson

Teacher can start the lesson by asking students to share their ideas and prior knowledge about snakes.

Development of the Lesson:

Teacher can further extend the discussion by telling a story. This story should not only provide a factual base but also give an insight on myths and wrong perceptions attached to them and the impact of these myths on snake population. Moreover , it must hold some lesson in it, regarding the need for their sustainable conservation. (The story can be prepared from the  information given in the Snakes - An Overview , Serpent------- A Mythological Perspective and Myths and Beliefs on www.edu.icunp.org ) The responses from students during the story should be encouraged. This session would help students to understand the like/ dislikes , myths and mythology of snakes. Teacher should introduce the students with the snakes of Pakistan (www.edu.iucnp.org can be referred)

After the story telling session, following activities could be carried out for better understanding on this issue:

• Ask them to  list  the  snakes,  found in Pakistan, also provide information on their habitat
• Divide students into groups, assign research assignments on kinds, characteristics, habit and habitat, food, distribution and current status (if possible accompanied by photographs).
• While students are compiling material from libraries and Internet (with the help of the material present on the website on ( www.edu.iucnp.org ) , a visit can be organised by the teacher to the zoo or to the actual habitat of the snakes(if possible) with the help of the Wild Life Department or Zoological Survey Departments, or a video on snakes could be shown to the students. Snake Charmers can also be invited in the classrooms for discussing about snakes and its characteristics (they would talk about myths as well as the factual information, which can be discussed further, in later part of the lesson ) .

After the compilation of information, each group should make a presentation to the class. Students should be encouraged to ask questions. Later on, to assess the level of understanding of students, teacher could ask following questions.

• Give general physical features of snakes.
• How much variation is seen in different species of snakes and how do these variations help snakes to survive in their varied habitats.
• Identify few distinct differences between poisonous and non-poisonous species of snakes with examples.
• Discuss the locomotion patterns of snakes. Compare their motion with other reptiles.
• How one can distinguish between two species of snakes.
• Explain the evolution process of snakes and various adopting patterns seen in snakes.
• Describe the process of Ecdysis and its importance to the growth of the snake.
• Give in brief the economical and ecological importance of this reptile.
• Discuss some commonly prevailing myths about snakes with the facts.
• What are the common practices that are becoming threats for snakes?

Ask students to talk to their family members, other friends and elders in the community about snakes and collect myths and information about them from these sources. This should be made part of the presentation , which can be discussed further.

Click here to download PDF version of Lesson Plan