Lesson Plan - Python Patrol

Watch a Video: Wanted: Invasive Species

Discuss: What are some ways species have “invaded” new locations?

Preview Words to Know

Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• ecosystem 
• native

Set a Purpose for Reading

As students read, have them think about how pythons are affecting the Everglades.

1. Why is the Burmese python considered an invasive species in Florida? An invasive species is one that is introduced to an area and harms native species. Burmese pythons were originally brought to the U.S. from Asia and are now eating many native species in the Florida Everglades.

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2. Why are Burmese pythons hard to find, according to the article? The article explains that the snakes’ spotted skin lets them blend in with the plants in their surroundings.

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3. What are two facts you can learn from the photos that appear with the article? Sample response: You can learn that some Burmese pythons are so large that it takes three people to carry one. You can also learn that Burmese pythons lay many eggs at a time.

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FEATURED SKILL: Problem and Solution

Use the Skill Builder “What’s the Problem?” to have students explore the problem/solution text structure of the article. 

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