Chow Down! Using Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches t

Using animals to teach with is always fun and exciting to the students. But, what can you do in the classroom that will fit within what I call my 3E's (my lessons must be Essential, Effectiv... See More

Using animals to teach with is always fun and exciting to the students. But, what can you do in the classroom that will fit within what I call my 3E's (my lessons must be Essential, Effective, & Efficient). This article delivers all three. Essential-several objectives covered in this article are required at my grade level to teach (including cross curricular math and LA content). Effective-my student loved this activity. Because it is over a considerable amount of time, students that were absent had no problem keeping their Journals up to date. Student made charts, data tables, used measuring devices, collected many different forms of empirical data, analyzed and interpreted their data, revised, and re-evaluated their strategies. All without complaint. And finally, Efficient. Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches are cheap, easy to raise, easy to keep in the classroom, and sturdy. If you want to try something different that everyone will love-read this article and try its activities.

Great article

I use these cockroaches in my class, too. Kids initially get all scared, but warm up to them. Many good activities are possible with these creatures.

Another excellent activity!

As someone who has used Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches (MHCs) in the classroom I can attest to the level of interest they generate in students! The activities described in this article prom... See More

As someone who has used Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches (MHCs) in the classroom I can attest to the level of interest they generate in students! The activities described in this article promote ongoing inquiry and allow students to engage in authentic research. I also appreciated the inclusion of nutrition resources, espeically the use of nurtrition labels. It's easy to see how this project could help students transfer learning to their own nutritional needs. Only one note of disagreement: the article discusses frequent changing of the enclosure bedding. This is not necessary. MHCs use their excrement as bedding/nesting materials and removing the bedding often would stress the group.

Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

I have these in my classroom! Thanks for the awesome idea on how to really "use" them!