"Cockroach Lab"

by: Val Pankonen

Grade level: Middle School

 Objectives: 

Practice basic observational skills

Describe anatomy and function of an insect body

Measure lengths and activity levels 

Standards: F.8.7-F.8.6-F.8.2-F.8.1 

Intelligence: Naturalistic, Visual, Kinesthetic, Interpersonal, Spatial

Materials:

Coackroach

Metric ruler

Magnifying glass

Data sheet

Procedure:

1. Work with a partner.
2. Obtain a cockroach from the teacher in a deli dish.
3. Other Tools: metric ruler, magnifying glass.
4. BE CAREFUL WITH THE COCKROACHES-- they are to be observed and returned in good condition.

Cockroach Observation and Questions:

1. Does your cockroach have antennae?
2. How many sections (bands) does your cockroach have?
3. Does it have any legs? If yes, how many?
4. What is the general shape of your cockroach? How is this an advantage for its lifestyle?
5. What sensory structures (eyes, ears, nose) do you notice? What is unusual about the location of the eyes? What do you think this indicates?
6. Is your cockroach male, female, or can't tell?
7. Measure your cockroach. How long is it in millimeters? (remember l 0mm= 1 cm).
8. Activity level: does your cockroach appear to be slow, moderately active, or really move around the deli dish? Why do you think this is so?