Amphibians and Reptiles are fascinating creatures - and so are Pokemon! We'll study the taxonomy of amphibians and reptiles, and how they are classified into groups called classes and orders. Along the way, we'll compare these creatures to their Pokemon counterparts. Students will also get the chance to create their four of own Pokemon, based on real-life amphibians and reptiles that haven't been made into Pokemon yet (tuataras, worm lizards, caecilians, and some unique frog and toad species). Each recorded lecture (or "part") is followed by an extension activity that students can use to expand their understanding of the topic.

Part 1:

• An Introduction to taxonomy

• How reptiles are classified by scientists

• The defining characteristics of reptiles

• Order Crocodilia (crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials)

• Order Testudines (turtles and tortoises)

• Order Rhynchocephalia (tuataras)

• The Pokemon found in Crocodilia and Testudines

Part 2:

• Order Squamata

• Lizards

• Snakes

• Pokemon inspired by lizards and snakes

• Worm Lizards

• (There are a LOT of lizard and snake species and Pokemon, which is why we spend so much time on this one order of reptiles.)

Part 3:

• How amphibians are biologically classified

• The basic characteristics of all amphibians

• Salamanders and newts, and their Pokemon counterparts

• The life cycle of salamanders and newts

• Caecilians

Part 4:

• Review of taxonomy

• Characteristics of frogs and toads (and their Pokemon counterparts)

• The life cycle of frogs/toads

• Some frogs and toads that really should be made into Pokemon