Pet Turtles and Salmonella Lesson Plan

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Topic

Pet turtles are a common source of Salmonella

Content (Key Words)

Salmonella, turtles, who is at risk, preventive steps, symptoms

Goals (What You Want to Teach)

1. Discuss the risk of catching Salmonella from turtles.
2. Describe Salmonella and the symptoms of Salmonella poisoning.
3. Identify who are most at risk.
4. Practice precautions to prevent Salmonella contamination.

Objectives (Learning Outcomes of Activities)

1. Students will be able to describe how Salmonella is transferred from turtles to humans.
2. Students will be able to list the symptoms of Salmonella poisoning.
3. Students will be able to describe who is at risk the most.
4. Students will be able to list precautions to prevent Salmonella contamination.

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Preparation

• Post the poster in the classroom where everyone can see it.
  Pet Turtles: A Common Source of Salmonella (poster) (PDF - 491KB)
• Give each student a copy of the brochure
  Pet Turtles: A Source of Germs (brochure)

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Procedures/Methods

1. Introduction
   • Pre-test to gauge existing knowledge of subject
   • Salmonella, You and the Turtle Connection Test
2. Lesson
   • Classroom lecture using reference material
   • Salmonella, You and the Turtle Connection Classroom Lecture
3. Assessment (What Was Retained)
   • True/False and multiple choice quiz (same test as pre-test)

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At the end of the lesson give each student a copy of the Poster

Pet Turtles: A Common Source of Salmonella (poster) (PDF - 491KB)

Reference Materials

• Pet Turtles: A Source of Germs (brochure)
• Pet Turtles: A Common Source of Salmonella (poster) (PDF - 491KB)

Additional Resources

• Salmonella and Turtle Safety
• Questions & Answers: Salmonella (CDC)
• Reptiles and Salmonella (CDC)
• Investigation Update: Outbreak of Human Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Associated with Contact with Water Frogs (CDC)