Crayfish Feeding Time!

I love my new cave, and I'm not sharing it with Jim! If he comes in, I will pinch him!  Also, I'm getting a little tired of the food here and want something new.  Not Jiim...he loves it! I have to hear him chewing loudly when we get fed, and it drives me nuts!

From Sophia

Hi! It's me, Bruce.  I really don't...really don't like to eat, but today I just ate for the very first time.  "Yum"  I ate these red circle things. Anyway now I have to go back to my basin, but I will be back soon. Good bye!

From, Bruce

Hi! I'm Lightning, and today I ate some fish food.  It't not too bad. I am kinda jealous because the kids always pick up Chocolate. I forgot to mention this before, but I kinda like this place.  It's not too shabby.

From, Lightning

Our First Diary Entries of 2018

September 28, 2018

Hello!  This so far is my third grade at Glengary Elementary. I have this awesome group of third graders!  I also have a nice friend named Nugget. I only have one claw, which stinks. :(  Anyways, I am making new friends and having so much fun and eating lots of food!  I hope I have an awesome year with Team Bond 2018-19.

From, Bruce (Peyton)

I have spent 3 days in Mrs. Bond's Class.  I am in group 2. They have me some food, but I did not eat. When Sophia picked me up I pinched her and didn't let go. HE, HE, HE. Then I got put back in the basin.

From, Jim (Troy)

I;m Lightning and I got my name from what I do.  I am fast, and I love playing with Jacob. I love getting held by Chloe, Jacob, and Koen. Evie was scared of me because I raised my claws. I fight with Chocolate. She's a girl and I am a boy.  I have a bit of a crush on her.  Darn! She's cute!

From, Lightning  (Evie)

October 4, 2018

Dear Diary,
How dare Bruce! He pinched off my one and only claw. I am now left with only my walking feet and nothing to defend myself with. Students feel that I have a 10% chance of surviving, as it will be harder to eat and defend myself.  I am going to do the best I can, and I hope to prove them wrong.

Sincerely and Sadly,
Nugget

Preparing for Our Crayfish

We are getting ready to welcome a new group of crayfish to our classroom. To prepare, we are reading from our FOSS Structures of Life textbook.  Here is what we have learned:

• The mother crayfish keeps the eggs under her tail until they hatch. 
• Crayfish are completely covered by a hard shell.
• Most crayfish stay on the bottom of rivers. 
• The main part of the body is the hard shell. 
• Crayfish are members of a group called crustaceans. 
• Crayfish are easy to keep in classrooms.  They only need clean water and food. 
• The hard shell has bumps, points, and bristles. 
• When a crayfish comes out of its old shell, there is a new one already on. 
• The babies are transparent (see through), so you can't see them well. 
• To tell a male from a female, you have to look on the bottom side. 
• Crayfish have skeletons on the outside of their body. 
• When a crayfish is threatened, it will raise its pincers up. 
• A crayfish will molt 6-8 times during its life. 
• Crayfish can also use their pincers to catch other live organisms and food. 
• Crayfish find food with their antennas. 

Play Dates with Playground Organisms

Team Bond members went out on the playground to find other living organisms to catch and observe.  The organisms were then welcomed into our classroom to be compared to our crayfish, using a Venn diagram.  Here are the blog entries that were created from the lesson:

The students created Venn Diagrams. 

Hi! It's Hulk!  Yesterday we got to meet a worm, and it was really weird. It wiggled and jiggled. In the cap, it went in a circle over and over again.  Honestly, I just wanted to scream.  I did not like the worm, but here's some interesting things about it: it eats leaves, it slithers around, it is very slimy, and it lives in dirt.


From, Hulk (KT)

Here was the worm that went around and around. 

Hi! It's Killer.  I have a new roommate.  He's wild, he has legs just like mine.  His name is Beetle.  I don't know if he had a big mouth like mine, but he doesn't have claws.  He also sprays a weird orange liquid and his color is different...he is black. Oh by the way, I killed Lucinda/John.

From, Killer (KK)

Meeting a Roly Poly

Yesterday I met a lot of different bugs. I think that's what they were. I met a roly poly. He had a lot of legs. He got scared and rolled up into a ball. He had a shell like me. He was really small. He had an antennae like me too. He was really cool!

Yours truly, Fightie (AL)

A lot of roly poly critters (isopods) were found underneath this cement block. 

I Met a Beetle

Today I met a beetle. I wondered what the beetle would eat??  Well the beetle had the same kind of walking feet as me. I wondered where the beetle lived?  The beetle did not have a tail like me. We did not have a lot of things in common. 

Sincerely, NN (ZS)

Beetles were all over our grass outside our classroom window. 

The death of John…

I went in the classroom. I Iooked at the crayfish. There was one crayfish, and  I couldn’t find the other crayfish. I looked under the seaweed. I saw that John was chopped in half.  I wondered who did it. It had to be Killer, as he was the only other crayfish in the basin. I freaked out and told everybody. Everyone crowded around me. Most of the people were like,

“Killer killed John!”       

Collin suggested that we should kill Killer, but everybody said no. I told Ms. Donahue that I found a dead crayfish body, but she thought it was just a molted crayfish.  I picked it up and showed her the severed body parts. She agreed, John had been murdered.

Mrs. Bond took a photo of me with the body parts.  Here it is!

Afterwards Mrs. Bond put him in a cup, and we passed him around to see what it looks like inside a crayfish.  It was a neat perspective to see our crayfish from...however, we would have preferred to have John in one piece! 

This post was authored by M.B.

I Molted Already!

Hello! A crazy thing happened over the weekend...I molted!  Bummer that the kids weren't around to see it.  My shell split opened, and I tossed and turned a bit.  Next thing you know...my shell was beside me.  One Claw tried to come up to me to fight, but he was really going after my old self.  Funny guy!  Anyways within a few minutes I started growing bigger and bigger.  It was so cool! I immediately had to hide and protect myself, as my shell was still very soft.  Luckily, the kids in Mrs. Bond's class noticed my molting, and she put in some houses for us.  This was very much appreciated, as I now feel much safer. Overall, I think I am going to like my new carapace (that's the hard shell that protects me.)

Bye For Now,
The New and Improved N.N

Welcoming Our Little Ones into Team Bond 2017

I have been teaching this unit on the Structures of Life for many, many years.  Each year we get a supply of crayfish that are typically around 4 inches long.  This year, I think we were given the youth of the crayfish crop, as they are only about 1 1/2-2 inches long.  They are sooo cute!  (I know...could that even be said about them??? Until now I wasn't so sure.)

Team Bond 2017 has enjoyed sharing their classroom with them over the past 2 days, and they have started their Diary of a Crayfish blog entries.  Below are some of the best ones! In parentheses will be the initials of the blog authors.

This is how our crayfish arrived...pretty camouflaged too!

9/28/17

First Day at Home

Today I went in a room full of heumans.  (I tried to spell it right.) Also, I think they are called Team Bond??? I have a roommate named Mr. Nugget.  Mr Nugget pinched my back leg. Mr. Nugget is way bigger than me.  They tried to feed me, but I wasn't hungry. 

By Sally (ST)

The First Day

Today I woke up, and I was in a classroom. I tried to escape, but I was in a deli container. They filled up a bucket and put me in it. They named me Mr. Nugget. I realized there was someone else with me...they named her Sally.

From Mr. Nugget (JG)

This was my first time at Team Bond.  My name is N.N cuz that's what they called me.  I had a friend.  His name was One Claw. The kids kept petting me.  It was refreshing.  The kids took a picture of me.  When I first met One Claw we fought. On my second day in Team Bond, One Claw and I kept fighting. I was acting mean to the students, so the students kept petting One Claw. 

From N.N (ZS)

Hello!  My name is N.N!! I love to be picked up by Noha and only Noha (I think I spelled Noha, but I am not that great with spelling!)  Anyway...I got a little scared when I got into the classroom so I jumped into the basin, but I noticed they could still reach me. I also noticed that some of the kids could be nice though. 

Day 2:

I am still adjusting to the Team Bond classroom, but I like my owners Jake, David, Zane and Trey. Noha wasn't here today.  They noticed that I like to pinch.  One Claw is actually kind of fun, but sometimes he invades my space. 

From N.N (JB)

My Story

Hi, I'm Sassafrass!  I live in a gray tub of water with Mr. Sassafrass, and he kept attacking me. I got mad and started pinching him.  Then, people started petting me and him, but I didn't like it.  Someone tried to pick me up, so I snapped at them. People are weird! 

My Second Day

Today was my second day.  I got to be petted, but I got sick of it. I pinched Mr. Sassafrass' eye. Fun, I guess???  I'm gonna go with the flow. The kids realized I had 6 legs and an antenna (Although as Mrs. Bond types this she is hoping they realize I really have 8.)  I also have an antennae. Well...that's my 2nd day! 

By Sassafrass (CS)

________________________________________________________________________________

New this year, kids will also be creating posts to their See Saw journal.  There are already some great video journals on our class page! U+IF600

A Crayfish Field Trip

One of our crayfish is super calm and nice.  Check out the video demonstrating this below:

Because of this, I let the preschool teacher know that one of my groups of students could come and share their crayfish with her kiddos.  Well, this led into other groups wanting to take their crayfish on a field trip, so that's what we did last week...crayfish field trips!  

Here are the diary entries from the crayfish about their trips:

5-11-17

Today I went on a field trip. Me and Sally Sue went to the preschool class.  One preschooler asked to put me on her head.  The preschoolers learned about me most from Callie the Human. 

Sincerely,

Flower (SA)

Today I went on a field trip to a preschool class.  Kids asked, "Can I touch him? Can I touch him?" It was very quiet because I think they said to be quiet to the preschoolers. A lot of heads were above me, so I kept raising my pincers.  Some of them screamed. I am still enjoying it here in Team Bond!

From, Pug Life (NT)

Today I went on a field trip, and I saw kids touching me. I heard them talking about me and they made me feel happy. Happy like a crayfish! Also, Foxy was in a small hut hiding.  That made me feel bad for him.  Then we had sort of a wavy trip back to the classroom and more kids looked at me and Foxy. That is what I saw today on my field trip!

From, Chicken Nugget-Cheeto-French Fry

May 15, 2017

Finally our crayfish had appetites!  The kids were at PE and Music while the crayfish ate, so I video taped one of the crayfish eating. 

The Crayfish Have Been in Team Bond for a Week!

Well, with one week under our belt, we have done pretty well with our new crayfish.  We did lose 2 more crayfish early last week, and the kids did a good job burying them outside our classroom windows...complete with headstones! The other 8 are doing well, and the children are enjoying observing their structures and their behaviors.  Here are some of the blog entries for you to enjoy!

May 4, 2017
Ouch!  Today Thorn tried to kill me, and I retaliated and fought back. I had a playdate with Pincher, but I was too scared to play. Thorn pinched a kid named Johnny.

From, Snapper (CR)

May 8, 2017
Today we had so much fun in Team Bond!  I had a playdate with Pugly.  It was a little scary because they put us on a desk with no water. When a kid put their hand in to get me, I pinched him. I didn't mean to...I just did. This one kids wanted me to pinch him, so instead, I clapped and his finger was in between, so I clapped his finger. It was another great day in Team Bond.

Bye, Tiny Tim (MN)

May 8, 2017
I got a home!  I'm so happy that I can do my own thing without people watching me.  I went out of the water. It was weird.  I was happy to be put back in the water.

From, Bob (TK)

May 8, 2017
Today at Team Bond, kids touched me.  I raised my pincers at them.  They put me on the table. I waddled around and always raised my pincers. I like pinching people. It is very fun!  I also got a house.  It was hard to get into it. I had to raise the house up with my pincers. The kids always try to touch me, so I back up to avoid being touched, but I am still loving being in Team Bond.
Love, Pinchers

Visiting Team Bond in 2017

It was an exciting day for special deliveries in Team Bond!  Not only did my class receive their box of 36 Rubik's Cubes from www.youcandothecube.com, but they also welcomed in 10 crayfish as part of our Structures of Life unit. We will be continuing this blog to share our crayfish's adventures and document our observations in a creative way!  We hope you enjoy them!

May 2, 2017

Today I came in a new room with a lot of colors.  I won't stay long, so this is probably like visiting someone. I was happy when I got my name: Chicken Nugget-Cheeto-French Fry. I am small, and I don't like snapping much.  The cat food looked weird. I think the kids call themselves Team Bond.

From, Chicken Nugget (CJ)

It was a casual day trying to find our new home.  There were 12 crayfish.  We halted on the counter of Team Bond. They put us in a basin with food. I saw five kids who soon became our owners. They called me Killer, Cutie, Pug Life, and Pugly, which is now my name.  They put me in another basin filled with female crayfish.

From, Pugly (DC)

Today I had a weird experience...I had to see a weird heumen (I can't spell good, but I think that is how you spell it.) So they were putting cat food in my face.  I almost ate it, but I could not.  They thought I was dead 1,000 times...a new record. They took a picture of us and put in on an app called See Saw. I had a playdate with Foxy.  She kept hiding from me.

Sincerely,
Chicken Nugget-Cheeto-French Fry (JR)

Today I went to Team Bond and there was a lot of kids. My name is Pinchers. I have 1 friend with me.  The kids love us! I was scared before, but I am sweet.  People loved touching me.

From, Pinchers (JT)

Hello! I just got finished getting shipped to Team Bond third grader's room. When I first got here, all of the kids were staring at me. When I got in my basin fill of water, the kids decided to name me Sally Susan. After I got in my basin, my new roommate came, and his name was Tiny Tim. Me and Tiny Tim loved our new basin.

Love, Sally Susan (ML)

Good-bye Team Bond Crayfish!

Today is our last full day of school, and we are getting ready for summer vacation.  With that, we are also saying good-bye to our crayfish, however some lucky families enjoy them as new pets!  Today the students created their last Diary of a Crayfish entry in their individual books and wrote a good-bye letter to their crayfish.  Here are some of their letters.


Dear Big Claws,
Good-bye Big Claws.  I had a great time.  I learned that you guys eat cat food.  I hope we treated you well.  It was funny when you played with your house and moved your house up and down. I wish we could have you for the summer.  I hope you had a great year in Team Bond Third Grade!
                                                                                                           Love,
                                                                                                           Sara

Dear Cray Cray Jr.,
I have been looking and studying about all of your body parts and ways they help you defend yourself from predators. Whenever you get mad, you raise your claws in the air. Good luck in your new home.

Sincerely,
Caeden

Dear Big Claws,
It has been a nice time with you, but now you are going to someone else.  I remember all of the times...like when you bit me!  We learned that you like to eat cat food and that you have common things with your parents...just like me!  In the future I hope you are happy.  I will always be there for you and think about you, so I hope you have a good life!
                                                                                                       From,
                                                                                                       Daniel


As you can see, the children loved building relationships and learning more about the structures of life by observing these crayfish!  It has been a great year for the crayfish, even though 2/3 of them arrived to Glengary already deceased.  The positive thing is, we had one 1 death during the time they were in our classroom...which may be the best survival rate in all of the years we have been sharing our classroom with them!

Learning About Inherited Traits

Today I nibbled on a piece of cat good, and I was thinking about how small I am.  I'm small because of my mom and dad. I inherited this trait. I learned this from watching a video Mrs. Bond showed to the class on Inherited Traits and Genes.  The kids learned all about the traits that are passed on. Did you know that there are 30,000 pairs of genes in each person? I also thought about my tiny claws.  I also got this from my mom and dad. I've always wondered why I am so small, even when my siblings are big.  I guess I got the small gene?????

Love,
FiFi

The kids wanted to share some of their experiences that they have had with us.  Here are some of their reflections:

ZY: I noticed the swimmerets today!
MJ: Usually our crayfish is not active. Today it was more active.
CS: Why do the crayfish always put their claws in the air?
LY: Why do they have all of those parts near their mouth?
DU: Why do some of the them have a short antennae and one long one?
Mrs. Bond: Do all of the crayfish have different sized antennae?
(The class is now researching...)
RP: Why are their antennae jointed?
CS: How do they get their color?
DU: Why do they have a black spot on their back?

Enjoying Our Visits with Team Bond 2014-15

May 20, 2015

I was scared today at Team Bond. I wasn't hungry at all. They kept lifting me up.  I was sleepy, so I went to the shade. I heard that my brother, Tiny Claws died.  I wonder how my other brothers are doing.

Flash X signing out!

Today I got a little scared, and I jumped back.  Now I'm an Olympian. Also, I had a playdate with Louie and snapped at his tail.  I started to like the moonwalk today.  I really like going in my house because I like shade.

From, Paul Mustacheo

Today I saw something looking yummy, but now I know it's not food.  Sara was playing with me, and I thought the seaweed was food.  I grabbed onto the seaweed until I took a little nibble..."Yuck!" It was terrible.  So I now know not to eat everything I see.

From, Cray Cray

May 21, 2015

Today we got another shipment of crayfish.  Unfortunately, like our other shipment many crayfish died while being transported.  36 were sent and only 11 were alive when they came to Glengary Elementary. :(  Here are some entries from today.

Hi, my name is Louie.  I have 3 scratches on my side and back. My tail curls when I'm scared. When I;m annoyed, I snap.  When I'm tired, I go in my home. When they pick up my home, I want to snap. I'm not happy when that happens. I'm scared to eat the cat food in front of the kids. Sometimes kids put pencils near me, and I snap at them. Tiny Claws passed away.  I am very sad about that.  I am not happy.

We are hopeful that the holiday weekend will go well for our crayfish friends!

Sincerely,
Team Bond 2014-15

A Rough Beginning for Team Bond 2015 Crayfish

The crayfish arrived in Team Bond on Wednesday, after being shipped out on Monday.  We were very excited to get them unpacked and into the habitats we prepared for them. They came 12 in a bag, and when we opening up the bag, we realized that only 2 of the crayfish were for sure alive.  We were concerned, but through observations, realized there were some that showed a bit of life.  Groups of students took the crayfish to their seats to observe them and study their physical characteristics (what they look like.) Here are some of the entries from the students:

5/13

Today I came to Team Bond. I did not have a good trip! When I got into the classroom, I was not feeling so well. Once I got out of the bag, I was ready to meet my friends.  They thought I was dead, but their teacher found out I could be molting. They were surprised to know I was not dead.

5/14

Today I had fun.  The kids noticed that when the cat food went on my eye, my eye came in and out. I found out that my name is Fe Fe. I am happy that I found out my name today. I found out my friends are having fun too. I had a great day with my Team Bond friends.
Love,
Fe Fe

5/14:
Cray Cray's Playdate
Hi, I'm Cray Cray. Today was pretty rough. I got attached by Flash X.  She snapped my leg and grabbed on to be so hard.  It hurt really bad. It was on our playdate too! Flash X is my moral enemy. I'll have to defend myself better next time. 

5/14: Hello.  My name is Fauna, and I finally was able to move.  For some reason, I don't want to eat my cat food.  They keep turning my bucket around so I would move, but I like to be quiet.  When it's quiet, I move.  I like to squirm around the bucket to scare the kids. 

As it turned out, Team Bond had 6 crayfish that were alive.  Unfortunately Mrs. Bonkowski's class only had 1 alive. Ms. White only had 5 that were alive.  Because of this, School Specialty is sending up more crayfish next week.  We should get more crayfish next Wednesday!  Hopefully they will be strong enough for the trip! 

 

Week 2 in Team Bond

The first weekend in Team Bond was a bit rough on the crayfish.  Apparently some of the crayfish were not exactly happy with their roommate situation. Typically we have some casualties, as that is the nature of the beast, but I can't recall in past years coming back to find half- eaten crayfish.  I tweeted out the photo below, and I got a reply that made me belly laugh while the kids were still doing their morning work. 

Of course, the students were very concerned, as they have bonded with these critters over the past week.  Here are a couple entries from their crayfish diaries after doing behavioral experiments and observations on the crayfish.
May 19, 2014
 When I made new friends last week, I had a friend named Robert. And guess what?  He's dead!  He was my best friend...even my BFFL!  If he was alive, I would be happy, but he is not. I am really sad. Good-bye for now.
Sincerely,
Albert Einstein
Oh noooo! Robert Red died.  My new poor husband! My guess is that Snappy and Robert had a fight...Snappy won. Today I had a playdate...a craydate! I met a new friend named Pincher, but a little accident happened.  I got in a slight fight. Children in Team Bond were recording my behavior.  I hope to have more bold adventures in Team Bond.
Love,
Rosy Red

P.S. Did you see what Mrs. Bond tweeted this morning?  This makes me look like one tough cray! The kids were very interested in seeing inside my mouth! 

Dear Emma,
I am sorry that I pinched your hand.  I was just protecting myself, and you were making me feel very nervous.  That's what we do as crayfish, and that is why we have pinchers.  I am glad that you recovered well.  I could tell that you were upset at me.  I hope you can forgive me.
Sincerely,
Pinchers

The Crayfish Collection of 2014

We received our crayfish the other day, and Team Bond had a wonderful time observing them! The crayfish are part of our Structures of Life Science Unit. Each of the children are keeping a diary to record their observations. They will be creating diary entries from the perspectives of their crayfish.

 Here are a few entries:

 May 13, 2014

 Hi, my name is Rosy Red and today I came to this new home called Team Bond. I've heard from these humans. I think they're called that. I'm not going to be here for a while, so I guess it's like a hotel...a crayfish hotel. Once I got there everynody was staring at me. Some people even picked me up to bring me to a new tank and new water. One child said, "Whoa...look she raises her claws!" That child was right. I raise my claws to defend myself. They also gave me a different kind of food called cat food. I can't wait for more adventures!
 Love,
 Rosy Red

 Hello my name is Mr. C, and oh my gosh...I finally got to go to Team Bond. When I got there they already put food in it, but I only ate it while Team Bond was gone. But some of Team Bond is a little bit crazy with me. I even left a few things for Team Bond to clean up. :) I am really getting grumpy around some of the Team Bond members. I am not a big fan of eating cat food, but it's better than nothing. Some of Team Bond thought I was pregnant. Maybe I am????

- Mr. C

 OMG!! It is so hard to text with claws! Ahhh!!! Why is there a spoon in the lake- OMG!!! I'm not in the lake anymore. Where are all these kids coming from???? Hmmm...I think I might be in a classroom.
 -Pincher

 This is so weird...a bunch of humans are touching me with a thing. I'm standing up to look big so they can go away. Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Snappy. The kids don't know if I am a boy or a girl. I wonder if they will figure it out soon?

 -Snappy the Crayfish

Good-Bye Team Bond!

It has been busy in Team Bond lately, and since we only have Big Bad Crayfish Brown left, the diary entries have slowed down.  The meanest crayfish of all is still alive and well.  He raises his claws each time anyone gets by the basin. He was one of the second round crayfish that came after many were passing away.  The students were asked to create entries from his point of view.

May 30:
Hello! I'm Big Bad Crayfish Brown.  I'm the only crayfish.  I lost my friends, and I am sad, even though I am the strongest crayfish. I hope I don't die too!

Hi, my name is Brown.  I am a rusty crayfish.  I don't like people around me. I am the only crayfish left, and I am the boss.  I like being by myself.

Hi, I'm Big Bad Crayfish Brown, the meanest crayfish in the town!  Everybody says I am mean, but I don't blame them.  I am Big Bad Crayfish Brown, just like it says in the song! Bye!

Dear Team Bond,
Thank-you for giving me a home for the last couple of weeks.  Alyse, I am sorry that I pinched you...Andy, you too!  I know all of you haven't really enjoyed me as much as Mermaid or Mr. Pinchers.  I wish I was able to feel comfortable around you, but the truth is, you make me nervous.  I am not comfortable being held, but I am working on it.  Perhaps the next class that I get sent to I will loosen up more to. Thanks again, and I hope all of you have a great summer break!

Sincerely,
Brown

Physical Traits, New Homes, and New Crayfish

May 14, 2013
Hello!  My name is Alex.  I use my pincers to grab my food. I am about 14 centimeters.  I use my claws to lift myself up and to scare my predators. I also have bristles that are like little hairs. 

May 17, 2013

Hello!  My name is Mr. Pinchers, and I'm filling in for Alex today because poor Alex died.  I'm just going to tell you that I didn't kill him.  Do you what I was asked to tell you today?  Well I do...it's about our new green homes. They all have black shapes on the top.  I personally like the black square and the black rectangle homes.  I just got some new crayfish put with me, but I don't want to really be their friends because they are kind of mean and pinch people a lot.

May 20, 2013

Well, we lost another crayfish over the weekend. Unfortunately it was Mr. Pinchers.  Mr. Pinchers was a special crayfish.  He really bonded with Alyse, as she would hold him in her hand, as if he was a hamster.  Mrs. Bond said she never saw a student and a crayfish act that way before.  Alyse was upset, and she was able to bury him out on the playground.  Mrs. Bond showed the class the many different kinds of crayfish species that exist in the world.  Do you know there is a blue crayfish that is really blue?  They were super cool to see in photos!  I am more on the grayish tan side.  I am different than the others.  I think the others are Rusty Crayfish.  The Rusty Crayfish are invasive to Michigan waterways.  They are trying to control them...and I have an inkling that they may be using the school crayfish program as part of their strategy!

The kids have their BA on Thursday.  Today they were talking about life cycles, inherited traits, and camouflage.  It was neat to see the photos Mrs. Bond put on Edmodo! 

Sincerely,
Mermaid

A Tragic Weekend for Team Bond Crayfish

Monday, May 13, 2013

Unfortunately the weekend was not a good one for the crayfish that were sent to Glengary.  Only 3 out of the 6 that were delivered to Team Bond made it.  Here are the diary entries from some of the crayfish.

Hello!  It's Alex again. Over the weekend a lot of my friends died.  I am one of the only ones that survived.  I'm not going to say whether or not I killed any of the crayfish because...that's my little secret!  Now I took Fiesty's spot in putting my claws up.  There was a boy that was feeding, then all of a sudden many people were surrounding me, and I got frightened. That's when I knew it was time to show the claws!
                                                                                                -Alex

Hello!  It is a very depressing day. Prince...DIED!  :( :( :( I miss him.  My owner, Alyse, really misses him too.  A bunch of other people say he is in a better place.  I guess I should believe them, but it is still hard to move on.
                                                                                                -Mr. Pincher

I died.  I am in a better place now.  I will miss my beloved group.  They buried me during Student Activity Time.  I got buried with Charlie.  I died because another crayfish murdered both me and Charlie.  There was a time in the morning that I started to move, but it was only for a bit and then I finally passed on.
                                                                                                     -Shelly


Hopefully everyone is able to get along well.  I overheard that a boy named Lorenzo is going to hunt for some crayfish in a local lake.  That makes me a bit nervous, yet kinda excited.  I have never met a crayfish that was raised in a lake.  All of us have been raised by humans for kids to observe us at schools.  Perhaps they can teach us about what the life of a wild crayfish is like.
                                                                                                    -Captain Cray

A Delayed Arrival and a Warm Welcome

May 11, 2013

We were really excited to begin another wonderful adventure with Team Bond on Wednesday, May 9, but they did not have school.  Mrs. Curtis, the Science Coordinator, had to work really hard and reschedule our shipment.  Luckily, she was able to get us delivered today, on May 11.  The students were super excited to see us once again!  Mrs. Bond had each child write a diary entry from their crayfish's perspective.  Below are a few from the first day fun!

Hello! My name is Mr. Pincher, and I just arrived at Team Bond.  I was scared when I first saw my surroundings.  I'm glad 3 young, responsible girls picked me.  My neighbor is Prince.  I'm glad I got my owners.

Hello! My name is Alex.  When I first came here everybody was looking at me. Then I got picked up from a person.  I felt scared, but three people gave me food, so I started to like them.  Right now I have to stop because my claw is numb.

Hi, my name is Shelly.  I am a girl.  I only have one whisker.  When I first arrived in Team Bond I was scared.  I got a big piece of elodea, and I munched on it.  I got to get a present because my birthday is tomorrow.  I am turning 4.  I got a really awesome gift...2 pieces of cat food! 


We look forward to sharing more adventures through this blog.  We are sure there will be a lot of things to talk about the next time the kids blog, as our weekend adventures will be exciting.  Hopefully everyone will get settled in and get along.

Sincerely,
The Crayfish of Team Bond 2013