Classification and Types. Snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, crocodilians, and tuatara are examples of reptiles. They are vertebrates with scaly or plated skin, and many species lay amniotic (shelled) eggs. • One important idea: Taxonomy: classify creatures according to their visible traits, including as body shape, scales, and shells. • Sorting and ID stations in the classroom: kids look at safe toy models and images and group them (snake, lizard, turtle, croc). Ask students to identify one sorting trait. • Concepts and abilities acquired include observation, classification, terminology (such as scale, shell, and the differences between crustaceans and reptiles), and the creation of basic keys.