All about tortoises learning pack

Introduction

Learning objectives

To understand how the Galapagos Islands were formed.

To understand how giant tortoises evolved and adapted to their environments

To understand how animals migrate and why

To understand how animals interact in a food chain and learn examples of food chains in Galapagos

To understand the role giant tortoises play in their environment

Understand and identify anthropogenic threats facing Galapagos tortoises today.

To understand the ‘One Health’ concept.

Students’ outcomes

Locate the Galapagos islands on a world map and understand how they were formed.

Explore how the Galapagos giant tortoise is adapted to suit its environment.

Learn how adaptation may lead to evolution of a species.

Understand why and how animals migrate. What drives migration?

Explore the migration of the Galapagos giant tortoise.

Learn how digital technology is used to track animals.

Explain what a food chain is and identify and explain key terms.

Identify species that make up a food chain and web in Galapagos.

Understand the inter-relationships between species in a food web.

Understand the different terms used to describe whether or not species are native.

Explore and identify different plant species in reference to the above.

Explain how tortoises disperse seeds and its impact on the environment.

Understand and identify anthropogenic threats facing Galapagos tortoises today.

Gain curiosity about tortoise health and ways of assessing it.

Develop scientific enquiry skills through questioning, reasoning and analysis.

Explain the concept of ‘One Health’ and how they can contribute to its ethos as an individual.

Resources in English

Resources in Spanish

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Aldabra and Galapagos giant tortoises: A shared evolutionary story

We take a look at the parallel histories of Aldabra and Galapagos giant tortoises, and the ways in which both are now helping to restore island ecosystems.

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Viral prevalence in giant tortoises: An interview with Gislayne Mendoza Alcívar

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GCT Ambasador Stephen Fry presents BBC Radio 4 Appeal

Actor, broadcaster, writer and bona fide national treasure Stephen Fry raises the plight of Galapagos giant tortoises and the threat of plastic pollution in this week's BBC Radio 4 Appeal.

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Introduction

Learning objectives

Students’ outcomes

Resources in English