Students used what they had researched about their zoo animal's environment to create a 3-dimensional model.  They planned for its land and water needs as well as a path for visitors to walk on.  Based on what they learned about their animal's defenses, they decided whether to make an enclosed area for the animal to protect visitors.

First graders worked with Mrs. Pedersen on Scratch coding this week.  They created a habitat for their zoo animal to live in.

The next experiment first graders did with crayfish involved their defense of hiding.  Each group of students investigated whether the crayfish would hide if there was food or no food, land or water, rocks or no rocks, and one or two shelters.

Today, first grade students did a class experiment to see what types of defenses crayfish use.  They set a crayfish on a table and then put their hand six inches in front of the crayfish.  They observed what the crayfish did in response.

First graders had a "meet and greet" with the new crayfish!  They made observations of them in their environment.  They also learned how to properly handle the crayfish.  Many were able to pick them up!