Horseshoe Crab

Horseshoe Crab Blood Lab

Print Lab

Horseshoe Crab Observations


Data Sheet

Objectives:
Students will gain an understanding of the external anatomy of a horseshoe crab

Students will make observations of horseshoe crab behavior

Students will gain the requisite vocabulary for the major external body parts of the horseshoe crab

Materials needed for each group of students:
One live horseshoe crab (These can be purchased from a biological supply house or the MBL in Woods Hole)

A large tray with a small amount of sea water

Small pieces of squid, paper towels, and hands lens (optional)

Data sheets and pencils

Field guides and/or fact sheets on the horseshoe crab

Procedures:
Give each group the above materials Tell students they will be making and recording observations.

Remind students that they are working with an important animal and they must be respectful

Briefly go over the data sheet with the class

Assessment:
Have each group report to the class on their observations

Points to be included:

Major body parts: cephalothorax, abdomen, tail, eyes (simple and compound), book gills and walking legs

Description of size, color, shape, and protective adaptations

Description of movement, feeding behavior (optional), and gender

Learning skills:
Observation, description, discussion, classification, generalization, and visualization, writing composition

Framework connections:
Diversity and adaptation, data collection.