My students need live creatures, including lady bugs, silk worms and more, in order to study life cycles as part of our Spring Life Science curriculum.
Do you remember having live creatures in your classroom when you were in elementary school? We all do, and we remember how much we loved it. Young children have a natural connection with nature, and having examples of lifecycles in my classroom is the best, hands-on way for my students to learn.
My students come from a variety of backgrounds, many from lower to middle income, and they often do not have access to museums, books, experiences, "field trips," and materials at home.
For many of them, they only have access to the world of science in my classroom. Forty percent of our student population speaks a second language. They are good kids though, and they do love to learn and they try hard. I am looking for tools that will engage them and connect them to life science, such as these creatures!
My Project
We need live creatures in order to study life cycles as part of our Spring Life Science curriculum. By bringing ladybugs, painted lady butterflies, ants, and silkworms into my classroom, students will be able to see the life cycle of change or metamorphosis that these little insects go through from egg to the final adult stage. Real life creatures allow them to connect with the curriculum, see it first-hand, and feel a sense of care and understanding of nature.
We are very limited with funding at my school, and items outside of the textbook category are not provided by the school.
These small creatures will have a huge impact on the learning of young children, who otherwise would not have access to nature. Many of my students live in apartment buildings where they are not allowed to have pets, and they are not exposed to nature. Thank you for allowing me to bring these creatures, and real life learning, into my classroom!
More than a third of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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