Carolyn C. Smith
The Species of Crabs
Objectives
The students will be able to:
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1. identify some of the species of crabs.
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2. identify the crabs which are found in the New Haven Harbor.
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3. identify the edible crabs in the area.
Vocabulary
species, habitat, environment
Materials Needed
Pencil, paper, outline map of the world, colored pencils
Procedures
Explain the terms above. Discuss the crabs listed in the section “Species of Crabs”. Have the students to chart on their outline maps where various species of crabs are found. The student can use their colored pencils to code the species.
Questions for Discussions
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1. What are the most common crabs found in the New England States?
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2. What are the most common crabs found in Connecticut?
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3. Are all crabs edible?
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4. How do marine crabs adjust to land?
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5. How long can marine crabs remain on land before returning to their natural environment?
Related Activities
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1. Have the students to choose one species and make up a story about his visit to another environment. Explain the problems that they would have in adapting to the new environment.
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2. Have the students to categorize the species as land and water crabs.
Field Trip
Arrange a trip to The Lighthouse to observe the shells left behind by various crabs during molting. If they are lucky they may find a few specimen to take home.