How a blue crab changes as it grows
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A lesson plan for grade 4 Science
The purpose of this lesson is to understand the changes that a blue crab goes through during molting, and why it is important for scientists to understand these changes. It is important to understand the changes an animal goes through during its life span in order to research what may be causing that animal some difficulty to survive and reproduce. One good example is the blue crab in the Chesapeake Bay, which has been showing a steady decline in population due to many reasons and stresses. This has had quite an impact on the economy of the watermen living on the Eastern Shore as well as the people who make their living selling the blue crab. Students often become confused with the term molting since it is used in different ways in the animal world. However, it is important to have them understand that animals go through changes as they grow. Some animals simply become bigger while others have to change a part of their body in order to grow. The blue crab is an example of this.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Science (2005)
Grade 4
- Goal 1: The learner will make observations and conduct investigations to build an understanding of animal behavior and adaptation.
- Objective 1.01: Observe and describe how all living and nonliving things affect the life of a particular animal including:
- Other animals.
- Plants.
- Weather.
- Climate.
- Objective 1.03: Observe and discuss how behaviors and body structures help animals survive in a particular habitat.
- Objective 1.01: Observe and describe how all living and nonliving things affect the life of a particular animal including:
