Virtual STEAM Ahead

Craft Stick Crocodile

Have you ever heard this when saying goodbye?  (If not, ask your parent or caregiver!) "See you later, alligator!" "After a while, crocodile!"

Alligators and crocodiles are often lumped together but they are a different.  Let's learn how!

Alligators are naturally found in only the United States and China, whereas crocodiles can be found in the wild in Africa, Asia, Australia and Americas.  The only place in the world where these two exist together is in the Florida Everglades.  However, crocodiles prefer salt water and alligators prefer fresh (the Everglades has both).  Can you tell these two animals apart?  Yes, if you look closely (but not too closely!).  The crocodile's snout is pointed and V-shaped, the alligator's snout is wide and U-shaped.  Also, crocodiles can't hide their teeth when their mouths are closed but alligators often can.  A full grown crocodile will likely be several feet longer than an adult alligator.  Crocodiles are generally lighter in color than alligators and slower on land and in the water.  Both species lay eggs since they are both reptiles.  And because they are reptiles, they are cold-blooded, which means they are unable to regulate their body temperatures.  Since their internal temperatures depend on the external temperatures of their habitats, they must live in climates that are warm all year.  In other words, you don't have to worry about running into either animal around here!​  To read about crocodiles and alligators, go to Hoopla, enter "crocodile" or "alligator" in the search box and select "Children's Titles Only."​

Let's make a crocodile!

Supplies:

• craft sticks (pre-colored, or colored green)
• zig zag scissors
• green pipe cleaners
• small wiggly eyes
• black marker
• glue

If you have uncolored craft sticks, first color them green and let them dry completely. Once dried, take a green pipe cleaner and place it in the middle of the craft stick as shown.

​Once you wrap to the point that a quarter of the stick is still “unwrapped” stop. Make legs. Repeat the whole process on the other end of the stick.

Cut the teeth with zig zag scissors. Glue them on the bottom of the craft stick. Stick on two googly eyes. Draw nostrils with marker.

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