Reading Activity

Save the Sea Turtles!

Sea turtles are reptiles that live in the ocean. They are an ancient species. Sea turtles have been around for over 100 million years- even before the dinosaurs! Today, sea turtles are an endangered species too. If we don’t protect them, they will soon be gone forever.

Sea turtles are endangered for several reasons. Some people eat sea turtles or their eggs even though it is not allowed. Other people damage sea turtle’s nests and habitats. That makes it harder for sea turtles to reproduce or lay eggs. When people litter, sea turtles may get tangled in their trash, like plastic bags or soda packaging. Oil spills and chemical waste from factories and ships can also pollute the ocean water. Global warming is causing the sea level to rise, which means less beach area for sea turtles to use for nesting. Sea turtles need safe places to lay their eggs so that their babies can survive!

Many scientist and volunteers work hard to protect sea turtles so they don’t go extinct. What can you do to help?

 When you go to the beach, make sure you don’t leave any trash behind. If you see a turtle’s nest in the sand, do not touch or poke the eggs. Avoid beach campfires during the nesting season (May- August) and shut off lights that are visible from the beach. Sea turtles use the moon to find their way to shore and man-made lights can distract them. If we all work together, we can save sea turtles!

Activities: (you will find them in Edmodo)

  1. In your opinion, what s the purpose of this text?
    a. to inform
    b. to entertain
    c. to give instructions
  2. Write true or false.
    – Sea turles are mammals that live in the ocean
    – They are considered ancient species because they appeared right after dinosaurs.
  3. Give 3 reasons. Why are sea turtles connsidered endangered species?
  4. Name and explain 3 actions we can carry out to protect sea turtles.