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Why Teach about Terrapins?

by
Sarah Brzezinski

The diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) is a symbol of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and has been Maryland’s official state reptile since 1994. The diamondback terrapin is also the mascot of the University of Maryland. This predator is the only North American species of turtle that lives exclusively in brackish water (water that is less salty then sea water, but more salty then fresh water).

Why Should YOU Teach about Terrapins?

In your classroom, you can use terrapins to teach students about a wide variety of topics. Terrapins can be used to teach about life cycles, ecosystems, predator-prey relationships, and animal adaptations. Teaching about how humans impact diamondback terrapin populations can also help teachers introduce topics such as pollution, development, global climate change, sea level rise, and more!

In the early 1900s, diamondback terrapin were considered a popular gourmet food and unregulated harvesting resulted in a population decline. In Maryland, taking or possessing terrapins for commercial purposes became illegal in 2007. However, diamondback terrapins can still be harmed by human recreation activities; turtles can become entangled in abandoned fishing nets or hit by motor boats. Talking about terrapins in the classroom can help teach students to be responsible stewards of the environment.

How Can YOU Teach about Terrapins?

There is no lack of resources that can help you incorporate terrapins into your classroom lessons. Here are some to help you get started:

Lessons and Programs:

  • Climate Change, Wildlife, and Wetlands: Impact of Climate Change on Diamondback Terrapin Lesson Plans: Through these grades 5-8 NOAA lessons, students will develop an understanding of the habitat and life cycle of the diamondback terrapin and human influence on this habitat and life cycle. Habitats within the Chesapeake Bay watershed are focused on and the potential impacts of sea level rise and climate change are highlighted.
  • Turtles in My Sandbox Teaching Activities - Sylvan Dell Publishing, book written by Jennifer Keats Curtis, illustrated by Emanuel Schongut.
  • Diamondback Terrapin Nesting Ecology Activity - In this activity, students will learn about the basic life history characteristics of the diamondback terrapin. Ping pong balls, with numbering that corresponds to mortality events or individual growth, will be used to help students learn about survivorship and the many challenges terrapin hatchlings face as they grow up.

Diamondback Terrapin Resources:

  • Bay Field Guide: Diamondback Terrapin – The Chesapeake Bay Program website hosts one of the most extensive online field guides in the region. It is a great resource for terrapin education.
  • Maryland State Symbols: Diamondback Terrapin - Did you know that the Diamondback Terrapin is the Maryland State Reptile? Learn more via Maryland at a Glance, Maryland State Archives.
  • Maryland Terrapin Classroom Education Project - Students help monitor the growth of terrapins in captivity at the University of Maryland Horn Point Lab. As they do so, they will about the terrapin life cycle, habitat, food, and more.
  • Terrapins in the Classroom – The National Aquarium’s The National Aquarium’s Terrapins in the Classroom Program brings Maryland students face to face with the diamondback terrapin. There is currently a waiting list join this program, but the National Aquarium’s resources are useful for anyone looking to learn more.