Shell-ebrate World Turtle Day

with a Turtle Day Q&A

Does your homeschool love turtles? Then today is the perfect day for you to get outside and study turtles. World Turtle Day ® is sponsored by American Tortoise Rescue (ATR). You can learn more about their organization at worldturtleday.org. Now get your field journals ready for some turtle-tastic homeschooling. Today I’m sharing questions from Emmett and the answers we discovered through research. I even contacted the ATR about World Turtle Day ®. They sent lots of great info and images to help spread the word.

Let’s Get Started

What is the difference between a turtle, a tortoise, and a terrapin?

: Sea Turtle

: Land Tortoise

: Semi-Aquatic Terrapins

Turtle is a general term North American scientists use when talking about sea turtles, land tortoises, and semi-aquatic terrapin. Chelonians is a term also used when describing all three types of turtles. In the United Kingdom a turtle is specifically referencing water-dwelling turtles, including terrapins, while a tortoise is only a land-dwelling turtle. In your field journal, classify the turtles in a way that makes the most sense to you. Emmett and I call all of them turtles and then specify each species by it’s common and scientific name. We love them all and LOVE that World Turtle Day ® celebrates them all as well.

Can turtles crawl out of their shells?

No. Turtles cannot crawl out of their shells because their shell is attached to their backbone and ribs. In this image you can see a turtle’s skeletal structure. Although they can not crawl out of their shells, they can retract their neck for protection.

Most turtles retract their necks straight-back between their shoulders allowing them to hide their head within their shell. These turtles are in a sub-order called Cryptodira. The other sub-order is called Pleurodira, in which the turtles retract their necks sideways underneath their shells overhang. There are only 2 living families of Pleurodira: the Austro-South American and Afro-South American side-necked turtles.

Can I have a pet turtle?

According to American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), you should “Never buy a turtle or tortoise from a pet shop as it increases demand from the wild.” – American Tortoise Rescue

But turtles are so cute!

I know. Emmett wants to name and love every adorable stinging, biting, and snuggly animal we come across. The final decision is up to your guardians. (Tip: if Mom says no, it’s safe to say you shouldn’t ask Grandpa.) Any pet is a great responsibility. If you and your parents agree you can have a pet turtle, then research the turtle pet laws in your state before you buy.

According to FDA regulation your turtle should be larger than 4 inches. You can help turtles by “[reporting] tiny turtles less than four inches sold at pet stores. Their sale has been illegal since 1974.” – American Tortoise Rescue

For those who are wondering, Emmett will not be getting a pet turtle. However, we have been observing them throughout the month at the campground’s lake. He even named some of them. Now they are all great friends he can visit… without taking them from their home. Yay traveling homeschool perks!

What are some of your Turtle Day Questions?

There are so many interesting things to learn about turtles. If you have a question, let me know and I’ll try to answer it after some more research.

World Turtle Day 2018