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Reptiles vs Amphibians: learn the key differences + classroom activity!

Banner with pictures of reptiles and amphibians and the text "differences between reptiles and amphibians"

Can you tell the difference between a reptile and an amphibian? It can be challenging. After all, they are both ectothermic vertebrate animals. But there are a few key differences between reptiles and amphibians that you can use to tell them apart.

A note for educators: are you planning to teach reptiles and amphibians in your classroom? If so, I know you will love my complete Reptiles Unit and Amphibians Unit. They’re both packed with all the printable handouts, worksheets, and activity directions you’ll need – plus you’ll support this blog with your purchase! 💚(You can also find both of these units in my Vertebrates Bundle!)

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Lungs & Gills

First, reptiles always breathe air through lungs. Even aquatic reptiles never have gills and must go to the surface to breathe. But some amphibians have gills. Most amphibians live underwater for at least part of their lives. Many young amphibians live underwater and have gills. Some adult amphibians have gills too, but others develop lungs and live on land.

Life Cycles

Young amphibians look very different from adult amphibians. This is because they go through metamorphosis. An example of metamorphosis is a tadpole becoming a frog. Reptiles do not go through metamorphosis.

Download my my printable frog life cycle study materials.

Skin

Amphibians and reptiles have different skin. Reptiles have dry, scaly skin, like snakes and lizards, or scutes like crocodiles. Instead, amphibians have moist skin that often looks smooth. Amphibians can also breathe through their skin!

Habitats

Reptiles and amphibians are both found on land and in freshwater. A few reptiles, like sea turtles, live in the ocean. But there are no amphibians living in the ocean.

Eggs

Reptile and amphibian eggs look very different. Amphibians lay soft, jelly-like eggs into water. Reptiles lay hard-shelled or leathery eggs on land. Some reptiles do not lay eggs at all and give birth to live young instead.

Examples

 Amphibians include:
  • frogs
  • newts
  • salamanders
Reptiles include:
  • lizards
  • snakes
  • turtles
  • tuataras
  • crocodilians

Reptiles vs Amphibians: Classroom Activity

After students finish reading about reptiles and amphibians, they can review what they have learned with this Venn Diagram activity.

  • Make a Venn diagram with reptiles on one side and amphibians on the other.
  • Write the characteristics specific to amphibians on the amphibian side.
  • Write the characteristics specific to reptiles on the reptiles side.
  • Write the characteristics that reptiles and amphibians share in the middle section.

Are you an educator? I’ve created worksheets and materials for this Venn diagram activity that you can download.

Download these worksheets for studying reptiles and amphibians.

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References and Further Reading

  1. Greater Cleveland Aquarium (2019). EXPLORING SIMILARITIES, CELEBRATING DIFFERENCES: AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES. Available: https://www.greaterclevelandaquarium.com/exploring-similarities-celebrating-differences-amphibians-and-reptiles/
  2. Nuwer, R. (2013). Ancient Reptiles Kept Switching Between Laying Eggs And Giving Birth to Live Babies. Smithsonian Magazine. Available: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/ancient-reptiles-kept-switching-between-laying-eggs-and-giving-birth-to-live-babies-180948172/
  3. Schick, M. (2015). Amphibian or Reptile? Here’s the Difference. Shedd Aquarium. Available: https://www.sheddaquarium.org/stories/amphibian-or-reptile-here-s-the-difference
  4. Uetz, P. (1996). General Information (and “FAQ”). The Reptile Database. Available: http://www.reptile-database.org/db-info/introduction.html

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Fold a Jumping Frog: Step-by-Step Video Tutorial

part-way folded origami frog and origami frog

In this video activity, students will learn to fold an origami jumping frog! Origami is the art of folding paper. Through origami, a simple piece of paper takes on different shapes, and can even be transformed into complex figures such as boxes, flowers, animals, and much more. In this activity, you will fold your own jumping tree frog out of paper!

Folding a jumping frog is a great activity to do with students of any age. It’s a great add-on activity to a frog life cycle unit! Folding a frog helps students practice the art form of origami and follow a step-by-step procedure. Students can practice measuring how far the frog can jump. Furthermore, students can modify their frogs to try to make them jump further – a great way of practicing adaptability, problem-solving, and innovation skills central to STEM fields.

Fold an Origami Jumping Frog: Video Tutorial

Origami Frog Materials

To fold your jumping frog, all you need is a piece of paper. You may also use markers, pencils, or any other art supplies of your choice to decorate your finished jumping frog.

Tree Frog Unit Study for homeschool or elementary school
Build STEAM and problem solving skills with this unique take on a frog unit study!

Fold a Jumping Frog: Written Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Start with a rectangular piece of paper. If it has a colorful side, place it facing down. 
  2. Fold diagonally so that the top corner meets the opposite edge. Crease then unfold.
  3. Repeat the previous step with the other top corner. Unfold.
  4. Flip the paper over. The creases will form an X.
  5. Fold the top edge down to create another crease through the center of the X.
  6. Unfold, then press in on the new crease to start popping up the paper like a tent.
  7. Flatten the paper by pinching together the top and bottom of the X.
  8. Flip over.
  9. Fold the two triangular flaps toward the top and crease. This will be the frog’s front arms.
  10. Fold both sides into the center line.
  11. Flip over. This will be the frog’s back.
  12. Now begin folding the frog’s springy back legs. Fold approximately the bottom fourth of the paper up over the back.
  13. Flip over. Now fold the bottom the same amount over the front to create a spring.
  14. Flip over your completed frog. Add eyes or decorate your frog.
  15. To get the frog to jump, place the frog on a hard, flat surface. Press down on the back end of the frog, compressing the springy back legs, then quickly release.
Sitting green tree frog watercolor painting
Did you know tree frogs can jump about 50 times their body length?

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