Few things say, "It's going to be a great day!" like 12 dead tadpoles. Yes, that's right, we are officially down to 45 amphibians to raise. The price for all this glee is a few sad children. But I can live with that. I've tried to reassure them that it's not their fault and that tadpoles often don't live to adult froghood, while inwardly I'm celebrating and hoping soon to reclaim my tadpole-free life. I've grown weary of having containers of pond water on my kitchen island.
Our owl pellet lab went well. Once they got over the smell, the kids loved discovering all the tiny bones hidden in their pellets and then trying to identify the skulls. We were also able to clear up a few misunderstandings about owls. Some of the kids figured that since owls regurgitate these pellets, they must not have a "back door" for other waste products. Not so. They have a dual exhaust system.
Next Tuesday we will be dissecting earthworms. I wonder what extra rules I will have to create while we are using scalpels...
So this post is dedicated in loving memory to the creatures who, by being dead, allow us to have interesting science labs.
Last note. While writing this, I have been informed that we are now down to 44 tadpoles. So sad.
Thanks for the many chuckles. :) And there's definitely a reason that I do not have the same college degree you do... I don't think I would handle owl pellets and dissecting anything very well in my house. Although I would love to come over to yours and have you as my teacher--sounds very cool (as a student). :D
ReplyDeleteha! Love it.
ReplyDeleteI've loved reading about your tadpole saga! Tess saw Stephanie's picture on this page and asked, "Mom, how come I no see her anymore?" I hope things are well with you and your tadpoles. ;)
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