Monthly Archives: April 2009

Earthworm Lifecycle

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A species of the earthworm can be found on every continent in the world. They burrow through soil and help keep it healthy. Some species of earthworm can grow over 13 feet long, all though most are a lot smaller than that. Even though there are many species, their life cycles can be broken down into four stages.

blue earthwormearthworm

 

Stage One: Eggs

Earthworm eggs take 2 weeks to 3 months to hatch. The warmer the climate, the quicker the eggs will hatch.

A typical egg cocoon will have 1 to 2 worms in it.

Stage Two: Juvenile

The worms hatch as smaller earthworms that lack reproductive organs; this is the main difference between juvenile worms and adult worms. The worms start to develop reproductive organs after they are hatched.

Stage Three: Adult

They are able to use their reproductive organs at around 12 months. At this time they are considered fully matured.

Earthworms can sometimes live for more than 10 years depending on the species. In the United States earthworms range in color from red to brown, and in other countries they can be blue or green.

Stage Four: Reproduction

Earthworms have both organs needed for reproduction; the term used for this is hermaphrodite. This means that all earthworms lay eggs.

When earthworms mate they lay next to each other and pass mucus like substance that allows each worms organs to be fertilized. After the earthworms mate they form eggs inside their bodies. The worms separate and form cocoons around the eggs, these cocoons are slid off the worm as they move through the soil. When the cocoon rolls off the worm, it becomes sealed. The cocoon is buried underground and the hardened walls protect the forming worm.

Teaching Model

Instead of using live worms, there is an earthworm lifecycle model at Heath Scientific that shows different Stages.

The model is made of soft plastic figures that are sculpted and painted to mimic the real creatures.

This makes it simpler show the various parts of an earthworm’s life.

Videos on Earth Worms

Discovery of multiple earthworm species instead of just one.

Short video of a big earthworm.

Where you can learn more

If you want to know more, check out these links or leave a question or comment down below.

Magic Snow

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What is Magic Snow?

Magic snow is an absorbent polymer that is safe and non-toxic, it has the ability to expand up to 40 times its original volume. The snow starts out as a simple powder that looks similar to sugar or salt. The magic happens when water or other liquid is introduced to the magic snow, which quickly expands to absorb the liquid.

How is it Used?

Hollywood uses it for special effects, many people use it to decorate for parties, and thanks to its low price you can use magic snow for fun. When using magic snow, use it on a dish, bowl, cup, test tube, or anything else that will help you contain the magic snow. First place the magic snow into the container of your choosing, next sprinkle a small amount of magic snow into the container. Then add a small amount of water and watch it grow. Use more in the following trials once an idea of the amount the magic snow expands is gained.

Example

magic snow

Do not let magic snow into drains or pipes; it will expand causing them to clog. The best way to dispose of magic snow absorbent material is to put it in a plastic bag and then in the trash. Do not rinse the container you use for magic snow creation in the sink, even a little can cause clog. However if you do accidentally clog a drain, a small amount of bleach will clear the drain.

Care Instructions for a Hermit Crab

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Hermit Crabs

Hermit Crab

The following information is general care information for a hermit crab and is provided by Heath Scientific. Heath Scientific has a full supply of live critters for educational institutions and home school environments. See the Live Critter section of our website.

If you want detailed information on caring for a hermit crab, visit the Hermit Crab Care Blog.

Temperature – 72-88F

Light Requirements – Indirect sunlight (Classroom lighting)

Feeding – Prepared invertebrate diet, supplement with fresh fruits and
vegetables.

Habitat – As a “tree crab” they live on land in coastal areas where it is
warm and humid. They return to salt water to lay their eggs.

Handling – Crabs don’t bite but they will pinch very hard. Handle them by
their shell. They may be placed on the floor for exercise. If they are
inactive, dip them in warm water and they will become active again.

Care – Hermit crabs need little care other than daily food and water
changes.

What Is The Red Liquid That Secretes from a Butterfly Chrysalus?

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When an adult butterfly emerges from its chrysalis, it secretes a red liquid that often drips down to the bottom of the habitat. This is not blood. It is actually a liquid known as meconium that is the natural secretions created while in the chrysalis. This is natural and you should explain this to children during a butterfly life cycle project so that they do not think the butterfly is injured or that something is wrong with the experiment.

Caring for Butterflies in Life Cyle Projects

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When butterflies emerge from the chrysalis, they are considered adult butterflies. Care and feeding of adult butterflies is important to successfully complete a butterfly life cycle experiment. Adult butterflies do not have jaws that allow them to chew plant material as they did when they were caterpillars. Instead, they have a long, straw-like tongue called a proboscis through which they can consume liquid material. Butterflies are an example of an insect that goes through complete metamorphosis.

The caterpillars diet normally consists of one type of plant, depending on the species. The most popular butterfly used in classroom studies is the Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui. They are available through many different sources and they are a cost effective option. In nature, the larva feed on the mallow plant. In classroom studies, a prepared diet is the best option. The caterpillars each constantly during this time period. The larval stage lasts approximately 4 weeks. The habitat should not be too large as this will make it difficult for the caterpillars to find the food source. If this happens, the larva could starve. One unusual characteristic of the caterpillar is that it has 8 pairs of legs to assist in climbing. After the last molt, only the front 3 pairs will remain.

After the 3-4 weeks spent as a caterpillar, the larva will attach itself upside down and form the crysalis. When the chrysalis has hardened, they should be transferred to a larger container, normally a net type habitat. The filter paper that the larva attaches to can be attached to the top of the net using a paper clip. In 7-10 days, the adult butterfly will emerge. A few hours will pass before the adult is ready to fly.

When your butterflies emerge from their chrysalis, you should place a shallow container of sugar water into the bottom of their habitat or butterfly net. They will consume this during the week to 10 days you have them in the habitat prior to release.

Though butterflies can adapt to a fairly wide range of temperatures, it is best to keep their habitat at room temperature and away from direct sunlight through windows. The time periods listed above can vary depending on the temperature, amount of food and the concentration of larva.