Year 7 Science

Year 7 Science - Reptile Encounters 

On Monday 13th and Thursday 16th October, Parkdale Secondary College welcomed Bryce from Reptile Encounters for an unforgettable, hands on science experience. Year 7 students were treated to an interactive presentation exploring ecosystems, adaptations, food webs, and fascinating facts about eight Australian species. Bryce brought along each of these species for the occasion.

From snakes to lizards, students had the rare opportunity to touch and hold many of the animals, deepening their understanding of biology through direct engagement. The sessions sparked curiosity and excitement.

Here’s what some of our students had to say:

‘On Monday, the class delved into an immersive experience with Bryce from Reptile Encounters who brought in a vast range of Australian native animals. Exquisite animals such as various snakes and lizards, stick insects, green tree frog and a turtle. He presented facts and information about each animal. Every animal is special in their own way because they use different techniques to survive. Cheryl the stick insect mimics a dead leaf so predators don’t attack.’ – Kenzie 7D

‘On Monday we had Reptile Encounters visit. The year seven students had a chance to touch and hold some of the animals. Firstly, we saw Cheryl the stick insect. She could curve her tail to look like a scorpion to protect herself from predators. We also looked at Shrek, a green tree frog. He was 8 years old and will live until he is about sixteen. Dip was a bearded dragon. He had a brother, Chip, but sadly he passed away. We saw Lucy a beautiful Woma Python and she had a special tongue that can detect directions. Popcorn was a very interesting shingle back lizard. Its body was covered in popcorn like scales and its backside looked very similar to its face, so if a predator attacks it, it can poo on it. Then there was Tiny who was definitely the opposite of Tiny. Tiny’s mouth can stretch to the size of a basketball and he had 220 stomach muscles! Last but not least we saw a Mary River turtle whose name was Penny. He can not stay in the water because his shell will rot. These are just a few of the amazing animals Reptile Encounters have at their Zoo’ – Millie 7E

‘My experience with the incursion with Reptile Encounters’ was fascinating and extraordinary. I encountered many cool reptiles that Bryce showed us, and we got to feel each animal and some people got to hold them. The difference species we saw were snakes, frogs, lizards, bearded dragon, turtles, stick insects and even a crocodile. We also learned facts about each animal, like what they eat (prey), and what eats them (predator). They each had different names. My favourite was the bearded dragon, Dip. They were all so unique and different to one another. I learnt a lot about reptiles and I really enjoyed seeing them and feeling their skin. – Ryan 7E

On Monday at the reptile encounters incursion I learnt about various species of animals such as crocodiles, snakes, turtles, frogs, lizards and more. My favourite animal from the incursion was Snappy the crocodile. I learnt that he was 11 years old and salt water crocodiles can live up to 150 years of age. I learnt that they have a bite force of 3800 psi which is enough to crush a family car. I also learnt that they have three eye lids. One goes up, down and a see-through membrane which helps them see underwater. – Olivia 7F