Abstract
Students are often averse to interacting with insects. Yet children benefit from having live, non-traditional animals in the classroom or at home, because such animals provide opportunities to learn respect for all living things; the students can practice skills of careful scientific observation, explore behavioral and structural adaptations, and in the case of silkworms, become a first-hand witness to the marvel of metamorphosis. This chapter discusses obtaining living organisms, setting up habitats, and learning to care for the animals. It also provides ideas for testing their environmental preferences and behavior. Also included are notes on the historical, sociological and economic background of one particular organism, the silkworm (Bombyx mori). Children learn about this fascinating organism and its habitats, but they can also study their ecological niche and history. Children can investigate their domestication and economic value over thousands of years, and research their use as a source of income for people in many countries today.
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Appendix
Appendix
1.1.1 Books and Resources for Children
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Fridell, Ron, and Walsh, Patricia (2009). Life Cycle of a Silkworm. Chicago, IL: Heinemann Library.
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Johnson, Sylvia A (1982). Silkworms. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publications Company.
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Park, Linda Sue (2005). Project Mulberry. New York, NY: Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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www.eurekalert.org – The Eurekalert search tool offers quick-N-easy access to all kinds of scientifically sound current information
1.1.2 Biological Supply Companies: Sources for Silkworm Eggs
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Carolina Biological Supply Company, Burlington, NC, Phone (800) 334–5551, http://www.carolina.com
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Niles Biological, Sacramento, CA, Phone: (916) 386–2665, http://www.nilesbio.com
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Mulberry Farms, Fallbrook, CA, Phone: (760) 731–6088, http://www.mulberryfarms.com
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The Silkworm Shop, San Diego, CA, http://www.silkwormshop.com
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Lady Silkworm, Long Island, Flushing, NY, http://www.ladysilkworm.com
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Silkworm.ca, Canada, Phone: (905) 864–5898, http://www.silkworms.ca
1.1.3 Photos
Leaves of the mulberry tree (Moraceae)
Cocoon of Bombyx mori
Silkworms (Bombyx mori) with mulberry leaves
Eggs of Bombyx mori with mulberry leaf and dime for scale
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Bentley, M.L., Auldridge, T. (2017). Worm Spit: Integrating Curriculum Through a Study of Silk and the Amazing Silk Worm. In: Mueller, M., Tippins, D., Stewart, A. (eds) Animals and Science Education. Environmental Discourses in Science Education, vol 2. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56375-6_1
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