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 Critter Highlight - Platys (Xiphophorus Maculatus)
The Platy is a common name of freshwater fish that lack a "sword" at the bottom of their tails. They are livebearers, similar to other fish of the same family, such as the guppy and molly. A live-bearing fish is one that retains the eggs inside the body and give birth to live, free-swimming young.
Platys are native to the east coast of Central America and Southern Mexico.
In the wild, these freshwater fish live in rivers, ponds, and marshes. Oftentimes, their natural habitats have virtually no current. The water gets quite warm as a result and plants are free to flourish, creating a lush environment.
Platy Facts:
- The typical platy fish lifespan is between three and five years when kept in optimal conditions.
- Platys are pretty small, with an average size of roughly two and a half inches.
- Being livebearers, females can birth up to 80 young after being pregnant for 24 to 30 days.
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 Venomous and Non-venomous Spiders Kit
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This month's spotlight is on the Venomous and Non-venomous Spiders Kit. This is a 2-week check-out item for your classroom.
Kit includes:
- Colorful "Spiders of Texas" laminated fold out
- Sturdy plastic magnifying glass
- "Spiders and Their Kin" book
- Folder with activities sheets for students
Spider Facts:
- Spiders in the wild regularly build new webs daily.
- Female spiders are much bigger than male spiders.
- Spiders will eat their silk and recycle it.
- Spider blood is pale blue.
- Most spiders live for one year, but some tarantulas can live up to thirty years.
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About Living Science
Our goal is to positively impact student learning through high quality materials & customer service.
For PUBLIC and PRIVATE/CHARTER school districts that have joined our CO-OP PROGRAM, the Living Science Center provides a variety of materials such as living organisms and non-living items giving teachers the ability to integrate into their lessons creating a fun, hands-on learning experience for students.
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Living Science Shade House
The Living Science Shade House is located behind building 2. The focal point of the Shade House is the Turtle Pond which is the home to over 40 Red Slider Turtles. These turtles are checked out on a 2 week basis to those schools which are members of our CO-OP PROGRAM.
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Available Materials
 Orders must be placed ONLINE before 3 p.m., 48 hours prior to delivery or 24 hours prior to pickup.
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Labor Day, September 4
Thanksgiving, November 22-24
Winter Break, December 20-January 2
M.L. King Day, January 15
Spring Break, March 11-15
Good Friday, March 29
Battle of Flowers, April 26
Memorial Day, May 27
Independence Day, July 4
Holiday Cut Off Dates Reminder
Winter Holiday Break
The last day to order any 2 week check out animals before Winter Holiday Break will be Friday, December 1, 2023. We will resume deliveries on Thursday, January 4, 2024.
Spring Break
The last day to order any 2 week check out animals before Spring Break will be Friday, February 23, 2024. We will resume deliveries on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.
End of Year (Summer Break)
The last day to order any 2 week check out animals before End of Year will be Friday, May 10, 2024.
SAVE THE DATES!
SESSION #97868 RLA & SOCIAL STUDIES
SESSION #92997 MATH & SCIENCE
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Deliveries & Returns Information
Living materials are delivered within Region 20 by the ESC-20 Living Science Van on a weekly basis. Non Region 20 schools should check with their Regional Service Centers for delivery schedule.
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