A population of horseshoe crabs lined up on the short of a beach at night
How Horseshoe Crabs are Impacted by Patterns in Space
Grade 5
Horseshoe crabs are another unique species that makes its habitat in the Chesapeake Bay. One special thing about horseshoe crabs is that they rely on patterns in space in order to function and survive. How can an organism that lives underwater use the moon to help it? We will explore the answer to that question in this lesson.
Teacher's Guide and Related Standards
I can explain how patterns in space and the sky impact the functioning and survival of horseshoe crabs.
- What patterns in space and the sky impact horseshoe crabs?
- Why do horseshoe crabs rely on patterns in space and the sky to function and survive?
Creatures of the Chesapeake Clip
- How long has the horseshoe crab species been present on Earth?
- What is unique about the eyes of horseshoe crabs compared to other marine species?
- How do the senses of horseshoe crabs rely on the moon?
- What factor in space affects when horseshoe crabs decide to lay their eggs?
- What seasonal change causes horseshoe crabs to lay their eggs?
- How do humans rely on horseshoe crabs?
Vocabulary
Supplemental Enrichment Activities
Moon Phases Calendar
Have students analyze the data in the graph/table showing the months and days when each phase of the moon will occur. Students should know that horseshoe crabs spawn during full moons and new moons, and during the transitional months between spring and summer. With this information, have students interpret the graphs and come up with the exact dates/evenings that horseshoe crabs will come up to the Chesapeake shores in order to lay their eggs.
Lunar Cycles and Horseshoe Crabs
Explore and learn about the phases/stages of the lunar cycle in which horseshoe crabs lay their eggs on the shore, specifically the new moon and full moon. Further, ensure that students understand the role that tide levels play in horseshoe crab spawning.
Lunar Phases - Monthly Calendar
Use the resource to allow students to see the lunar/moon phases that occur during specific days/times each month. Knowing that horseshoe crabs lay their eggs on shore during a full moon and new moon, and that this occurs during the transitional months between spring and summer, what predictions can students make regarding the exact dates they would expect to see horseshoe crabs on the shore laying their eggs?
Career Connections