Since we are studying animals, we bring in lots of animals and animal artifacts.  This is a cicada that someone found.  We are able to examine the animals up close using hand magnifiers and microscopes.

Many of us have been finding the leftover exoskeletons if cicadas.  You can see where a cicada has split open the back of its skin one final time before emerging as an adult.  Their legs are adapted for grabbing and holding on which is why this shell can cling onto this shirt even without the creature inside!

One of the students in our class brought in a praying mantis.  It was a beautiful animal.  We are very careful about not hurting an animal “guest”.  We know that after a short visit to the classroom, our guests are returned to the wild.

One of the kids found this little cricket at home and brought it in for us to examine.  We think it may have just molted because of its pale color.

Hamsters are really interesting animals.  We learned all about them when one of our kids brought in hers and gave us all a lesson.

There are several children in the class who have pet turtles.  Here is a yellow bellied slider.  Notice how much he resembles his human.

Here is another turtle pet.  This one is a red eared slider.  If you look closely, you can see some differences between this species and the yellow bellied slider above.  You can also notice some differences between some handsome humans.

We found and identified this darkling beetle.  Every time we examine a creature it is clear how perfectly adapted they are for their lives and their surroundings.

Spiders seem to be everywhere.  Already we have found a number of spiders in the classroom this year.  This beautiful little jumping spider was seen on our paper towel holder.  After capturing its picture, we released it outside.