“Pill-bug Derby” is an exciting activity for my 5^th grade students!  Everyone is out at night looking in places where pill-bugs spend most of their time; in their hiding place! Students are learning that isopods come in all shapes, sizes and running ability!  Not all pill-bugs are thoroughbreds and able to win the “Pill-bug Derby!”  As parents, you may ask, “Where do you find pill-bugs?”   As our experts have discovered, where ever you find worms is a starting point.  Under rocks, in mulch, under logs, under bark of a dead log or any place you find decaying material as a pill-bug is a decomposer. So far the students have learned that body shape makes a difference and that all pill bugs are not fast.  Pill-bugs shed their exoskeleton.  Some have eggs on the underside and some even carry their babies around.  They have jointed antenna and jointed legs. Students have made a map to locate their pill-bug’s home and a detailed diagram of a pill-bug’s body!  Come back soon to see what else we have learned!     

The pill bugs are at the starting gate and they are off!           The Winner is Phillip Jr. by a nose!