I love animals!
As the zoologist please read this poem.
When you've completed the story, do what comes next!
THE CROCODILE'S TOOTHACHE
by Shel Silverstein
Where the Sidewalk Ends, p. 66
The Crocodile
Went to the dentist
And sat in the chair,
And the dentist said, "Now tell me, sir,
Why does it hurt and where?"
And the Crocodile said, "I'll tell you the truth,
I have a terrible ache in my tooth."
And he opened his jaws so wide, so wide,
That the dentist, he climbed right inside,
And the dentist laughed, "Oh isn't this fun?"
As he pulled the teeth out, one by one.
And the Crocodile cried, "You're hurting me so!"
Please put down your pliers and let me go."
But the dentist just laughed with a Ho Ho Ho,
And he said, "I still have twelve to go -
Oops, that's the wrong one, I confess,
But what's one crocodile's tooth, more or less?"
Then suddenly the jaws went SNAP,
And the dentist was gone, right off the map,
And where he went one could only guess...
To North or South or East or West...
He left no forwarding address.
But what's one dentist, more or less?
Now that your poem is done,
its time to have a little fun!
Zoologist
Tell us what a zoologist does. It is your job to learn about the
American crocodile. Where does it live? What does it eat? How big
will it get? Let us know about its mouth. Don't forget about its
teeth! What would a dentist notice if a crocodile was a patient? Is its
mouth wide enough to eat Dr. Derham? What about the rest of us??? What
are some differences between a new "born" crocodile and an adult?
Impressive Resources
Kids Planet
http://www.defenders.org/wildlife_and_habitat/wildlife/american_crocodile.php
National Geographic
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/american-crocodile.html
Crocodile Facts
http://www.chevroncars.com/learn/wondrous-world/crocodile-facts
Conservation Fund
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/cnhc/csp_cacu.htm
National Parks Conservation Association
http://www.npca.org/marine_and_coastal/marine_wildlife/crocodile.html
Zoologist
http://www.princetonreview.com/cte/profiles/dayInLife.asp?careerID=166
On-line Dictionary
http://www.wordcentral.com/
Other Resources
You may use the dictionary to help you figure out any words you do not
understand.
You may also use up to two printed texts for your research.