Roaches?!?

As I sit and reflect, I'm glad I went beyond your typical science lessons and ventured into entomology a bit. Even though I did indeed move on to other topics in science, we found ourselves constantly returning to bugs.

Our first Madagascar Hissing Cockroach died. We purchased him from the Insectarium here in Philly. 207's own Visiting Entomologist, Ms. Megan (Ph.D Candidate) came to the school to present other insects to us and left behind 4 additional Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. Our other Visiting Entomologist, Mr. Ian, Google "Hung Out" with us earlier in the year.

Google Hanging Out with our own Visiting Entomologist, Mr. Ian (Ph.D candidate)

Learning from our very own Visiting Entomologist, Ms. Megan (Ph.D candidate)

Recently, I purchased a newer, more transparent container and that breathed fresher life into the kids (and me) at the end of the school year! We're excited to view our insects differently! We're excited about picking dandelions (a food the cockroaches love and a fact we learned on our own via Instagram videos and pictures)! We're excited to just watch the insects go about their business.

Insectarium visit

A visit to Philadelphia's Insectarium will enahnce any elementary life science unit!! I've known about it for years. When running summer camps for the YMCA years ago, I've sent groups there for field trips. But today is the first day, I actually took the time to visit.

I enjoyed the experience. A fine compilation of living and dead species of insects, I observed quite a bit.

To make the experience a meaningful one for my students and not just a quick run-through of "OMG it's ALIVE and moving," I would prepare a list of questions for them to answer as they tour the relatively small museum on Frankford Avenue.
There's  a gift shop and, ironically enough, an exterminating company on the same premises. How about that for an "LOL"!

Enjoy!

http://www.myinsectarium.com/index.php