Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools March 2014 | Page 13

East Elementary students get lesson in herpetology
East Elementary School students started the New Year off with
a… slither!
A specialist in herpetology, Ron Cromer, presented a science
program to students Jan. 14, 2014, one grade level at a time.
The program was designed to teach about the habits and
characteristics of reptiles, especially snakes, one of nature’s most
misunderstood creatures. Cromer began with an orientation lecture
and slide presentation featuring many species of reptiles including
turtles, lizards and snakes.
Students heard the myths versus facts about snakes. One myth
some people believe is that snakes are slimy, but they are not.
Cromer brought with him a variety of tamed snakes and a few lizards
for petting, including a giant pet python from Southeast Asia.
All students had an opportunity to touch, hold or pet a snake
if they wished. Some were surprised to learn that the snakes felt
leathery and scaly, not slimy.
First grader Nancy Morales-Godinez was proud of herself for
touching the huge python.
Fifth grader, Valeria Flores, said, “I really liked the
presentation. I got to help hold the giant snake!”
The python named Rosa was about 13 feet long and it took
a whole group of people to hold her. East Elementary School
Principal Cheryl Lawrence was one of those people.
Lawrence grinned while having her picture taken holding different
snakes. “I have never touched a snake before in my life!” Lawrence
exclaimed.
The students also learned that most snakes are not harmful and
how to safely deal with a snake if they came across one in the wild.
The program encouraged an appreciation for nature.
Cromer said that snakes need to be protected, not killed, as
they play an important part in the ecosystem. Students also learned
how to identify some dangerous poisonous snakes that live in the
southeastern United States, such as coral snakes and copperheads.
The program supported the STEM philosophy of the school,
providing a hands-on learning experience in science. Dr. Grace Faris,

East Elementary School principal Cheryl Lawrence and first
grader Jada Barnes both grin as each touches a snake for
the first time while first grade students Nancy MoralesGodinez, Malik Gaskins and Diana Torres look on.

interim assistant principal, was instrumental in bringing Cromer to
the school.
“I have seen Mr. Cromer present previously and I knew he would
do an outstanding job,” Faris said. “I wanted the students at East
Elementary to have the same experience.”
More information about Ron Cromer and his program is available at
the Snakes Alive website, www.snakesalive.com.
Written by: Lisa Moniz, East Elementary Media Specialist

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Parent Teacher Magazine • March/April 2014 • 11