Children and cephalopods: Third graders overcome fears and explore science during squid dissection field trip

Dec. 2Fishy smells and the mysteries of the ocean greeted a room full of third-graders at Mobius Discovery Center. When public projects coordinator Tiniya Dixon asked students what the scent reminded them of, reactions ranged from wrinkled noses to curiosity. Each child received a tray holding a small squid, the source of the aroma, sparking both disgust and fascination.

Westview Elementary third-graders from teacher Tiffiny Santos' class spent a science-packed day at Mobius, culminating in hands-on squid dissections. Santos emphasized that reading about marine life is one thing, but actually touching and exploring it creates a memorable experience that students carry with them.

For roughly an hour, Dixon led students through the anatomy of the squid, demonstrating how to remove a tentacle, open the mandible, and examine the large, cloudy eyes. This activity concluded the classs ocean unit, which included learning about SCUBA pioneer Jacques Cousteau and interacting via video with a shark-tagging oceanologist. Santos hopes the immersive experience inspires students to pursue STEMscience, technology, engineering, and mathcareers.

Beyond learning about squids, this lets students experience being a scientist, encouraging them to consider future classes or even careers in biology, Santos said. The activity also teaches a broader lesson: facing and overcoming fears. Handling a squid was far outside 8-year-old Jazmine McKinnons comfort zone. I was like, 'What?' she said, admitting she had never done anything like it before.

Jazmine and many peers were initially squeamish, even apprehensive about the slimy, tentacled creatures. I literally almost puked, she admitted as her lab partner cut off a tentacle. Despite her hesitation, she pushed herself to participate, reassuring herself that the squid was safe to handle since it was no longer alive.

Student Rylie Lynn also had reservations but found the dissection unexpectedly enjoyable. She and her partner discovered the squids "pen," a straw-like cartilage connected to the ink sac, which they used to draw pictures in squid ink, including playful references to popular classroom memes. When I cut it open, I realized it wasn't that scary, Rylie said, noting that the experience sparked her interest in studying marine animals, particularly turtles.

For Jazmine, the trip was still significant even if she remains less enthusiastic about animals. She said it encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone in other areas, like swimming in deeper waters. Santos highlighted the transformative nature of such experiences: It allows students to try something new, see that they can succeed in science, and gain confidence in their abilities. So much happens in just one day here.

Author: Ethan Caldwell