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Overview
Teacher
Information
Student
Activities
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Spiders: An
Organism for Teaching Biology
Getting Started
Find out what students already know about spiders.
Make a list on the board. Things they might
say: 8 legs, many eyes, poisonous, dangerous, black widows are dangerous,
there are big wolf spiders and tarantulas, make webs, eats bugs. Ask
students to write at least one question concerning spiders. Collect
and read through some of them. Do not offer answers to their questions.
Write the questions down on butcher paper or some other permanent record
to be referred to later by the students for ideas for their experiments.
Add to this list as questions and new ideas arise in class.
Getting comfortable.
Be comfortable and relaxed in the presence of spiders. Model
appropriate handling of spiders and respect for living organisms. Spiders
really aren't as dangerous as most people believe. Most are reluctant
to bite--why should they waste good venom on something too big to be
eaten?! Still care and caution should be taken because of possible allergic
reactions to a spider's bite and venom. However, spend some time to
build student confidence. Let the students enjoy a pet tarantula. Hold
it to show off during class. If students want to hold the tarantula
have them come in during lunch or after school when there is not so
much excitement. Jumping spiders are easy to handle, do not readily
bite, and can be held in front of students to show off. Show pictures
or slides. Have fun!
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