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Critter Highlight - Black Mollies (Poecilia sphenops)

The Black Molly is a popular freshwater fish valued for its hardy nature and ease of care, making it an excellent choice for beginner aquarists. Generally peaceful, Black Mollies thrive in community aquariums; however, they may display aggressive behavior if kept in overcrowded conditions.

Black Mollies are omnivorous and readily accept a varied diet, including flake foods, live foods, and frozen offerings. Their adaptability and resilience contribute to their reputation as a low-maintenance species suitable for both home and classroom aquariums.

With proper care and a well-maintained environment, Black Mollies typically live 3 to 5 years, though some individuals may reach up to 7 years.

Black Molly Fast Facts:

•  Livebearers: give birth to live young rather than laying eggs

• Native to Central America and Mexico

• Can grow up to 5 inches in length

• Tolerant of a wide range of water temperatures and pH levels

• Well-suited for community tanks when not overcrowded

For more information about these and other animals, visit the student safe resource: TexQuest (Login needed)

These cute fishies are available from the Learning Alive Cooperative Material Center to keep in your classroom.

Product Spotlight - "Structure and Functions" kit.

This month’s spotlight features the Structure and Functions Kit, a hands-on instructional resource designed to help students explore how animals survive and thrive in their environments. Available for a two-week checkout, this kit supports inquiry-based learning through engaging activities and authentic materials.

Students investigate how an animal’s structure (physical traits) and function (how those traits are used) contribute to survival. These adaptations may be structural, such as bone shape or footprints, or behavioral, such as movement and feeding habits.

Kit Includes:

• Interactive learning activities, including Tracking Bingo

• Critters of Texas reference books

• Animal Skulls & Bones instructional brochure

• Animal track rubbing plates and stamps for hands-on identification

• Core information reference materials

Learning Focus

Using real-world examples, students learn how to identify animals by examining tracks and skeletal features, strengthening observation skills and reinforcing concepts related to adaptation, classification, and environmental interaction.

The Structure and Functions Kit is ideal for classroom investigations, small-group activities, and STEM-based exploration.

Limited Edition Kits from the Barber Collection

Arrowhead Kit – Limited Edition Barber Collection

Discover the craftsmanship, function, and cultural significance of stone tools with this exceptional educational collection. The Limited Edition Barber Collection Arrowhead Kit offers a hands-on exploration of prehistoric projectile technology, highlighting both authentic specimens and modern replicas for comparison and study.

Kit Includes:

Authentic U.S. Arrowhead & Spear Point Specimens

Carefully curated and mounted displays feature a variety of genuine stone tools, illustrating:

• Differences in size, shape, and flaking techniques

• Arrowheads versus spear points

• Functional adaptations across time periods

Each specimen is clearly labeled for educational reference.

Modern Replica Displays

Side-by-side replica points demonstrate how traditional stone tools were crafted, helping students understand:

• Knapping techniques

• Tool construction processes

• Comparisons between ancient tools and modern reproductions

These replicas allow for close examination without risk to original artifacts.

Projectile Point Identification Display

A detailed visual guide introduces:

• Common projectile point types

• Relative sizes and shapes

• Developmental progression from early Paleolithic points to later forms

This display supports classification and archaeological interpretation.

Informational Materials

Included laminated cards and reference sheets explain:

• Where arrowheads are found

• What they were used for

• How archaeologists study and classify stone tools

An introductory overview ties together archaeology, anthropology, and early human technology.

Ideal For

• Classroom instruction (history, archaeology, anthropology)

• Museum and educational displays

• Homeschool and enrichment programs

• Hands-on STEM and social studies integration

This limited-edition kit provides an engaging way to explore early human innovation and survival skills, connecting students to the past through real-world artifacts and expert curation.

Order through the Learning Alive Order Platform using keyword Limited Edition.

Learning Alive. Where curiosity meets curriculum!

Upcoming Personal Development Opportunities

SESSION #111611 LEARNING OFFSITE: TEXAS PK GUIDELINES PD IN THE PARK: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY JAN. 15, 2026, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM COST: $150.00 FREE TO PEEC & ELEVATE20 COOPERATIVES

SESSION #116250 MASTERING PBL IMPLEMENTATION, ZOO OBSERVATION TO CLASSROOM SUCCESS JAN. 13, 2026 COST: $125.00 G/T COOPERATIVE COST: $25.00

Upcoming Connect20 Sessions for Cooperative Members

This link has sessions that are 100% free for learning alive.

Deliveries & Returns Information

Living materials are delivered weekly to schools within Region 20 by the ESC-20 Delivery Van. Schools outside of Region 20 that are not currently served by ESC-20 should contact their local Regional Service Center for delivery schedules and availability.