Oviparous (and Viviparous) Animals

This week we talked about all the animals that come from eggs (oviparous), like chickens and frogs, and we also talked a little about animals that are born in a live birth (viviparous), like humans. The children got to open (plastic) Easter eggs filled with animals that were oviparous and talk about those animals.  

We also did an experiment together to determine the buoyancy of an egg in fresh water and in salt water.  In each class, several students helped with this demonstration.  We learned that things are more buoyant in salt water and that an egg will actually float in salt water and sink in fresh water (due to its greater density).

We also experimented with eggs to see how strong their shells are.  They seem fragile, but we learned their shape is actually a key design to keep them from cracking if the parent sits on them to keep them warm.  

First, are a few of the books we had on hand in the classroom...

Sinking in fresh water... 

Floating in salt water...

Cracking open their eggs to find more oviparous animals!