A praying mantis is a fascinating insect. I purchased egg cases that can hold hundreds of eggs. They finally hatched!

The praying mantis life cycle is an example of incomplete metamorphosis because there are only three stages- egg, nymph, and adult.

Scientists classify everything! PreK scientists continued their study of the ocean with a lab that focused on shells. At the end of lab, they were each given a bag of shells to classify by physical properties of their choice- types, color, size, texture, luster, etc.

To conclude lab, I took our hermit crabs out of their habitat for us to observe.Hermit crabs are born in the ocean and find a shell in which to live. They have five pairs of legs and their eyes are on stalks. They are nocturnal, oviparous, and omnivores. Although terrestrial, they breathe through gills and require both freshwater and saltwater to keep their gills wet (a fact that many pet owners don’t realize.)

Have you ever seen a hermit crab change shells?

Our ducklings are due on Mother’s Day! This is a repost, but I just love it!

When you are studying the ocean, you have to play in the sand! What a great sensory experience!

When electricity flows in a wire, a magnetic field appears. This discovery led to the development of electric motors. They can be found in many electronics today.

Third grade scientists made a simple electromagnet which is a temporary magnet that is made by coiling wire around an iron core. When current flows in the coil, the iron becomes a magnet.

Our largest tadpole has back legs!