During shore to shore transport on Ossabaw Island, GA, you spot an American Alligator in a murky pool of water. Throughout the twenty mile traverse through the interior of the island, you only spot one alligator! Immediately you start to question how that alligator could  reproduce if no other alligators were in the vicinity. You begin to ponder more questions about alligator reproduction. What distance do alligators have typically travel to reproduce? In fact, how do alligators reproduce? How are little alligators made?
 
 

Upon emersion into the literature of American Alligator, you are to write an essay concerning alligator reproduction. You are to write the essay individually using computer word processing. 

First go to American Alligator to discover how alligators reproduce. Discover more about reproductive conditions and life cycle/social structure and discover how males attract females.  Answer the following questions as your guide:

When do alligators mate?
Where do alligators live and typically mate?
At what age do alligators reach sexual maturity?
How are the male and females attracted to each other?
If alligators take care of their young, who gives the care?
Who builds the nest?
How and where is the nest constructed?
How long do the young stay with the adults?
How often would a typical alligator mate?

From the researched information, you are to create a 1500-word essay personifying the Alligator's characteristics and behavior. You are to write the essay from the alligator' view and creatively give him a voice; in essence, personify the alligator with human attributes.

As a group, you will present a Powerpoint presentation of an American Alligator's lifestyle. The presentation should include interesting visuals and written information about the American Alligator. 
 

The American Alligator presentation will be assigned one grade with each participant's portion receiving equal weight in the grade. For example, if the project is worth 150 points, each person's contribution is worth 50 points.  Each person is to contribute a written report * (20 points), design the powerpoint slides * (20 points) and speak during the oral presentation (10 points). 

* Computers are available for word processing and powerpoint construction before and after school hours. 
 

Congratulations!!! You have completed the webquest and have learned information concerning the American Alligator. You now are aware of the American Alligator's habitat, eating habits, reproduction and much more. 
 

http://www.oaklandzoo.org/atoz/azaligtr.html

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/5960/alligator.html

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/alligator/a._mississippiensis$narrative.html

http://www.thebigzoo.com/Animals/American_Alligator.asp

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/nature/wild/reptiles/gator.htm

http://species.fws.gov/bio_alli.html

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/alligator/a._mississippiensis$narrative.html

http://homer.hcrhs.k12.nj.us/hipsite/personification/peoplepics.htm

http://www.ifas.ufl.edu/agrigator/gators/#reproduction

Hodges, J.C., Horner, W.B., Webb, S.S., & Miller, R.K.  (1994). Harbrace College
     Handbook (12th ed.).  Orlando:  Harcourt Brace College Publishers.