Madagascar Hissing Cockroach Creations

In second grade, the big idea is focused on comparing and contrasting the complete life cycle of a Madagascar hissing cockroach to the incomplete cycle of insects. Habitat is also studied. Students start by designing life cycle plates to show the stages for a cockroach. They are introduced to observational drawing and complete sketches of the exoskeletons from photographs that they take. Classes also conduct scientific experiments comparing the hissing behavior of the cockroaches in light and dark environments. A second experiment is conducted to determine what cockroaches like to eat. Students make predictions and then observe the weight of different foods including sweet, salty, bitter, and sour to determine the cockroaches’ preferences. Additional experiments will be designed and conducted based on students’ wonderings and questions.