In the Classroom: The Dragontails
Bugs, Slugs, and a thirst for knowledge
Since starting in the summer, the Dragontails have cultivated a healthy interest in science. To be more specific, they have been extremely curious about biology, and the many amazing living things that surround us. With the fascinating new tool of a microscope added to the classroom, this interest has grown, even as fall leads most of the living things around to go into hiding. From a short stint with snails as a class pet, to a long-term interest in ants, caterpillars, and even the scary but oh-so-intriguing bees and hornets (which we study from afar), this group of Dragontails has never given up their obsession with living things, no matter how weird or slimy.
Recently, Dragontails and Starlights found a slug out on the playground. While some might respond to such a creature with cries of disgust, for the Dragontails it held a much deeper interest. They put the slug in a bucket and carried it around, calling out "who wants to see a slug?" The slug was taken on a first class trip with all the leaves it could eat to all the major playground areas, where everyone got a chance to look at it.
It seems like there's not a week that goes by without someone finding some kind of creepy-crawlie that they can't wait to share with everyone else. Just the other day, Dragontails learned that some Roadrunner friends were looking for bugs, and decided to enthusiastically guide them to some of the best stomping grounds for ants. This led to the joint discovery of a beautiful, large winged ant. Dragontails and Roadrunners alike proudly showed off their find and debated scientifically over what kind of ant it was, and why it had wings.
Even as our supply of bugs and slugs dries up with colder weather, the science questions - and answers - don't stop. If you ever want to know why leaves fall, or why bugs have to hide in the winter, ask a Dragontail--they'd be delighted to teach you.
Classrooms