Terrestrial Isopod Life Cycle Kit – A Hands-On Learning Experience for Schools
Bring science to life in your classroom with our Terrestrial Isopod Life Cycle Kit, designed to help students explore real-world biological concepts through observation and hands-on investigation. This kit aligns with the Australian Curriculum for Primary Schools, supporting key learning areas in Biological Sciences (ACSSU002, ACSSU017, ACSSU211) by allowing students to study life cycles, adaptations, and ecosystems firsthand.
What’s Included?
- A clear, ventilated enclosure for easy observation
- Specially formulated substrate to support isopod health
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10–20 live isopods at different life stages (juvenile to adult)
Curriculum Integration
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Foundation – Year 2: Explore living things and their basic needs, including habitat and survival.
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Year 3 – 4: Investigate life cycles and how animals depend on their environment.
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Year 5 – 6: Examine adaptations and the role of decomposers in ecosystems.
What to Expect in the Isopod Life Cycle
Australian terrestrial isopods (often called woodlice. rolly-polys or slaters) undergo a fascinating incomplete metamorphosis. They start as tiny mancae (juvenile isopods), growing through multiple molts until they reach adulthood. Students can observe their behaviours, including burrowing, shedding exoskeletons, and their role in breaking down organic matter—an essential part of nutrient cycling.
Encourage curiosity and scientific thinking with this engaging, low-maintenance classroom resource. Each kit comes with complete instruction and ideas for interactive classroom activities that will help enhance your learning.
Lesson plans are available on request.
