Crayfish, also known as "crawfish" or "crawdads," are easy to keep in the classroom, and with patience and luck, students will observe the complete life cycle of the crayfish. They will also learn about aquatic animals and habitats and get to conduct inquiry experiments about animal behavior. This article describes how a third-grade teacher used…

Suggests that the use of anthropomorphic statements are appropriate when dealing with children operating at the preoperational and concrete levels. For these children anthropomorphic formulations are not only natural, but actually aid comprehension of the world theyobserve. (JR)

Describes methods of collecting crayfish and maintaining them in the classroom. Also discusses reproduction and molting of crayfish. (MA)

Describes how to establish a colony of isopods (pill bugs) and suggests how these organisms may be used in teaching elementary school science. (JR)

Provides suggestions for activities that focus on earthworms. Includes observational exercises on earthworms' reactions to light and touch. (ML)

Suggests various observations that can be made while at a zoo, including behavior of animals, adaptations to special environments, locomotion, food type, and physical characteristics. Provides a sample data sheet for animal observations, citing the usefulness of organized observation. (JM)

Describes some of the characteristics of the common harvestmen, or daddy longlegs, and the true spider. Provides information on harvestmen's habitats and life cycles and includes tips on housing and observing these organisms in science classrooms. (TW)

Parent Teacher Associations can be persuaded to support programs in schools. Article describes one such attempt which resulted in setting up bee hives and large aquaria in an elementary school. (PS)

Presents lessons to stimulate children's interest in science and develop communication skills by having students simulate the locomotion of an ameba, a paramecium, and an Euglena, and the cyclosis in the pondweed Elodea. Students practice communication skills by demonstrating their organism to the remainder of the class. (MDH)

Presents an activity that teaches children the language of the honeybee--and which transforms the classroom into a honeybee colony. Children mimic the foraging behavior of honeybees and learn to appreciate the importance of community effort among animals. (PR)

Describes a field study of dragonflies and damselflies. After a bit of background reading and equipped with paper, pencil, insect net, and work sheet in hand, students will come to appreciate the behaviors of these insects as they gain a deeper understanding of the natural world. (PR)

Describes a sixth grade unit of study on metamorphosis using the silkworm (Bombyx mori). Included are techniques for care and feeding of silkworms; ideas for observations and experiments. (CS)