Carolina Tips

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Encounter with an Unhuggable

For young children, fear of insects may begin early, but positive experiences can result in a lifetime of respect for these "unhuggable" yet important animals. Initiate such an encounter by introducing children to giant insect models (available at low cost after Halloween or from the Young Entomologist's Society) or puppets. Head off "yucks" by focusing on such questions as "How many legs does it have?" or "Can you find its antennae?" Let the children feel and measure the model. By examining a variety of creepy critters, establish that insects have six legs.

Present a Madagascan roach in a clear closed container, but don't identify the animal. Quickly ask students if it is an insect. Have each team of children count legs and then ask at least 10 more good questions about the specimen. One class came up with 55 questions! Then ask how answers to the questions can be found. Label questions that can be answered by observation O. Place an E next to those that could be answered through experimentation, and an R next to those that could be answered through library research or by asking a resource person. Challenge the children to be scientists and to answer some of their own questions using one of the methods above.

1. Use a Variety of Senses
   Look - Encourage children to look closely at the animal. Have them look for patterns and shapes and sketch them. Use a magnifier, large bug box, or dissecting scope.

   Listen - What is that noise it makes? Why does it make the noise? How could the noise help it survive?

   Touch - Proceed slowly. Explain that animals are sometimes fearful of loud noises and quick movements, and that the children will see more if they speak quietly and move slowly. Tell them what to expect from the animal - "If you touch the roach, and it doesn't know you, it might hiss, but it won't hurt you." To avoid stressing one animal, use several. After seeing classmates survive the experience, almost everyone asks for a turn to touch the animal.

2. Set up Experiments
   Children can answer such questions as "What kind of food does it like?" or "Does it like dark places or bright places best?" by setting up a controlled experiment. In helping them design their experiment, remember that kids respond to the concept of fairness. For example, ask the students, "If I want to see which food a cockroach prefers, is it fair if I place one type of food closer to the animal than another sample, or should they all be the same distance?" Remember, in designing an experiment, respect for the welfare of the animal should be a primary concern.

3. Try Research
   If you cannot answer a question through observation and/or experimentation, try research. Students can obtain information from books, videos, and audiotapes. Encourage them to contact people such as teachers, college and university professors, naturalists, and zoo or museum staff. Interactions with professionals in biology can be valuable learning experiences for students and may further encourage their interest in science.