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00069ShellInvestigations ( PDF )

E. T. A LOCAL WAY OF LEARNING


Title: SHELL INVESTIGATIONS
Author: Kathryn Doss
Eulalie R. Rivera Elementary School

Grade Level: 5-6

Concepts: Disciplines:
2. Ecosystems 1. Language Arts
8. Values 2. Science
12. Stewardship 3. Art
4. Math

Objective:
The students will examine and identify shells using listed questions as a
guideline.

Rationale:
Shells are an integral part of the Virgin Islands Community. This activity will
help create a greater awareness of mollusks (the shell, together with the animal
that lives inside.)

Materials Needed:
At least eight shells for each group of 4-6 students. Hand lens, if available.

Directions/Activity:
Give each group of students a box of shells and a copy of the questions on the
next page.

NOTE:
This format, where a collection and a list of investigative questions are given
to the students is often called a "Discovery Box." It can be used to investigate
a variety of items such as rocks, feathers, leaves, vacated bird nests, etc.'

Discuss:
What contribution do shelled animals (mollusks) make to our environment? (food
to ornaments)

Teacher Reference:
Clemmons, Elizabeth: Shells Are Where You Find Them
Dudly, Ruth: Sea Shells
Goudey, Alice E.: Houses From The Sea












Shell Investigations


1. Look at the shapes of the shells in front of you. Does the shape give you
a clue to the animal's habitat in the water or on the land?

-Which ones attach themselves to rocks?
-Which ones may bury themselves in the sand?
-Do some scoot around on the ocean floor?
-Which ones are found on land?

2. How is the shell designed for protection? What about thickness? Are there
any spines? What about the color?

3. Can you see any growth rings on the shell? Use a hand lens to try and count
the number of growth cycles for each shell.

4. Some mollusks (the animal and its shell) are single shelled (univalved or
gastropods). Others are double shelled bivalvedd). Can you determine which
types of shells are in your collection?

5. What do these mollusks eat? Would you think your shells contained fast or
slow moving animals? How does this help determine what they eat?

6. Look through available shell books and see if you can identify the shells
in your collection.

7. Draw the shells.