Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Posted by: drako32186 at Sun Oct 24 19:16:23 2004 [ Report Abuse ] [ Email Message ]

I'm doing a speech on Reptiles. The basic point that I want to relay is the fact that if you're educated, you're usually not as afraid of them. The focus has to be narrow, so I've decided to base it on Ball Pythons. I'm trying to get typical stereotypes of snakes and then disprove them. I have 10 minutes in which to speak. These are my common misconceptions so far: a. They are not venomous
b. They do not grow to tremendous size and eat humans
c. They are not vicious (as in will not chase you down for no reason and attack)
d. They are not slimy

I wanted to bring in a snake but my college has notified me that I won't be allowed to have one on campus. I think I'm going to use a Petco box with a fake snake in it as an example and like ask the class how many people are afraid...or something like that.

If anyone has any more things that I can argue, please let me know. Thanks sooo much.

-Drako
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The answer is purple because dolphins are allergic to sofas!!!

I think that you also need to cover the old kill first ask questions 2nd mentality that many people have for snakes.

I do several presentations a year to elementary schools and preschool aged kids and you be surpized how many kids only experience with snakes is seeing mom or dad killing snakes with a hoe or shovel.

I normally talk about the positive things that snakes do like eating rodents. I also mention that the presence of reptile and amphibians in an ecosystem is a way to see if everything is balance and healthy. Both types of animals seem to be effected early on if something is up with the environment, I am sure you could find some research about biological indicators.

I am surpruzed that your college will not let you bring in the snake for the presentation. Have you checked with the biology department? Many have reptile collections and they might let you use one of their snakes for your speach (I bet the real reason is some snake phobic english prof, one who really needs to listen to your speach)

Good luck