Class presentation

[Saddlepatch]

Now that the AP Biology exam is over and the school year has winded down some, I asked my teacher if I could bring in my bearded dragon someday and do a presentation. He said I could, but I'm in a bit of a dilemma.
I'd be more comfortable doing a tarantula presentation since I have more expertise in that area, but I think I could pull this off too if I can get some help from you guys.
My first and most important question is, how broad should I make the presentation? Reptiles? Squamata (snakes and lizards)? Just lizards? Or just bearded dragons? Or should I start with the most broad category and trickle down to bearded dragons?
Also, I need some ideas of what to include in the presentation. Keep in mind that this is a high school AP class, not an elementary school class. So I can't just settle for stuff like "reptiles are cold-blooded!" and "snakes eat mice!" I need good, advanced information that would be taught in an AP or college class. For example, things like the effect of temperature on gender determination in incubating bearded dragons - but I also need to include interesting things that would keep the kids awake lol. Things like that. By the way, I'll most likely be doing a PowerPoint presentation on this.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[gulfbrzdawn]

I would do the presentation on Bearded Dragons. I would think you could get enough information on that particular species to make it interesting. Were you planning on taking your beardie with you for the presentation? That would hold their attention more if you had a good visual for them to actually see.

Here's a few things you could touch on that most people don't know about beardies(reptiles in general). Do some research on the Jacobson's Organ(scent receptors in the roof of their mouths). Here's an article on it http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-jacobsons-organ.htm

Also the Parietal Organ(Parietal eye or third-eye) http://www.anapsid.org/parietal.html

Hope this helps some!

Dawn

 

[Saddlepatch]

Thanks very much!
I thought I'd just do the presentation first and then feed my beardie some crickets and pass him around for everyone to see. That way, people can ask questions about him without interrupting the slideshow.

 

[herpfreak]

Both the Jacobsons and Parietals organs would make for a great show.

I agree with Dawn; stick to beardies.

Doing a bit of feeding is also a good idea, but remember that they have to digest, so don't feed too many.

I know they aren't elementary kids or anything, but I think you should really put some emphasis on doing as much research as possible prior to getting a beardie-- or any reptile, for that matter. They are not like cats and dogs.

Good luck!