TV on a Rolling Cart

Could a turtle live outside its shell?

From Mystery Doug

Could a turtle live outside its shell?
5 minK1st2nd3rd4th5thScience
access

Summary

Mystery Doug takes on a real kid's question -- "Could a turtle live outside its shell?" -- and follows the clues. No -- a turtle's shell is part of its skeleton, fused to its spine and ribs, so it can never crawl out of it. A quick five-minute watch to spark curiosity and kick off a conversation.

Viewer safety

All ages
Common Sense Media — not yet ratedIMDb Parents Guide — not yet rated

Our rating is a quick teacher-to-teacher guide — preview before showing.

Teaching resources

Discussion questions

Discussion

Doug investigates a question kids really asked: "Could a turtle live outside its shell?"

  1. What was Doug's answer to today's question, in your own words?
  2. What surprised you most about shell, or what did you already know?
  3. What's one thing this makes you want to find out more about?

Quick work-a-long

Words to know: shell, skeleton, spine.

Try it: Explain the answer to "Could a turtle live outside its shell?" to someone at home using these three words, then write down one new question it made you wonder.