How to Use Sand Crabs in the Classroom

Sand crabs, or mole crabs, burrow into the sand on beaches. These small creatures can make an interesting addition to a classroom. Sand crabs are quiet and different than other commonly used classroom pets. Children can learn about the ocean and creatures like crabs from having one to observe.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Take a field trip to the beach, if possible. Letting children see sand crabs in their natural environment will help them understand the creature better. Many aquariums or ocean protection organizations have school programs you can participate in to see sand crabs on the beach.

2. Contact your state's Department of Natural Resources to see if they sponsor a crab project. These programs put crabs into classrooms with lesson plans and activities for instructors to use. Some states may extend their programs to other areas so if your state doesn't participate, see if you can participate through another state.

3. Get the correct set up for your classroom aquarium. The right environment will keep your crabs healthy. If you're unsure of what you'll need, contact an aquarium or read materials about crabs.

4. Learn about how to properly care for your sand crabs. You'll need to know what to feed them, how to feed them and how to keep them healthy. Sand crabs need to bury in the sand so you'll need to provide them with enough sand to do so. You'll also want to regulate the temperature around your crab so don't put your crab near drafts. Involve your students in the process, whenever appropriate.

5. Teach your students about how to hold the sand crab and care for it. Include your students in keeping the crab healthy and happy whenever possible. Through this they can learn about a crab's habitat, what it eats and what dangers it might face in the ocean.

6. Use the crab in lesson plans. There are many lesson plans available online and in teachers' resources that include crabs. For younger children, you can have them color pictures of crabs or read them books about crabs and other sea life. Older children can learn about how the crab lives in the ocean and about other sea creatures that it may encounter. You can also discuss how environmental factors and pollution may affect crabs.