Animals That Live in Shells

Ages 9 to 10 · Grade 4 · spring study

Snails, Slugs, Clams, Oysters

Teachers' References: Shells.

IN BALANCED aquaria and a snailery these animals may be kept and studied alive. Children collect specimens, as far as possible, and bring in empty shells for study. Visits to fish markets, and to shell collections are profitable. If near the seashore, a clam bake and a visit to an oyster fishery are possible.

Study a common land snail alive.

Where are its eyes?

Feel its file-like tongue ribbon.

What and how does it eat?

How does it travel?

How does it breathe?

Why has it a slimy trail?

Where does it live naturally?

How does the shell grow?

If cracked, is the shell repaired?

How far in does the snail withdraw?

What part of the body shows when fully contracted?

Compare with pond snails in spring.

What do snails' eggs look like?

Compare a land slug.

Where is the breathing hole?

How and on what does it feed?

Keep clams in aquarium.

Study little neck clam.

Surf or hen clam.

Soft shell.

River clams.

Pearls.

Pearl buttons.

The giant clam of Australia.

Oysters.

How is an oyster made?

Upon what and how does it feed?

Life history.

How long does it live?

Enemies.

Oyster harvest.

Oyster culture.

Green oysters.

Oysters of New Zealand.

Oysters that grow on trees.

What bird eats oysters?.

Danger in eating oysters.

The oyster season.

Pearl oysters.

Pearl diving.