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 Critter Highlight - Platys (Xiphophorus Maculatus)
The Platy is a small, colorful freshwater fish often found in aquariums around the world. The name “platy” is commonly used for fish in this group that do not have the “sword” extension on the bottom of their tails, which distinguishes them from their close relatives, the swordtails.
Platys belong to a family of fish known as livebearers, just like guppies and mollies. Instead of laying eggs like many other fish, livebearers develop their eggs inside their bodies and give birth to live, free-swimming young.
These vibrant fish are native to the eastern regions of Central America and southern Mexico. In the wild, platys live in warm rivers, ponds, and marshes, where the water often has very little current. These calm conditions allow aquatic plants to grow abundantly, creating a lush underwater habitat where platys can find food and shelter.
Platy Fish Facts
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Lifespan: Platys typically live 3–5 years when kept in healthy conditions.
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Size: Most platys grow to about 2½ inches long.
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Livebearers: Female platys can give birth to as many as 80 young after a pregnancy lasting about 24–30 days.
With their bright colors and interesting reproductive strategy, platys are a great example of how diverse and fascinating freshwater fish can be!
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 Venomous and Non-venomous
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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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 Limited Edition Kits from the Barber Collection
Crystals & Gemstones Kit – Limited Edition Barber Collection
Explore the structure, beauty, and science of Earth’s minerals with this visually striking Crystals & Gemstones Kit from the Limited Edition Barber Collection. Blending geology, chemistry, and gemology, this curated set offers both hands-on specimens and authoritative references for an engaging learning experience.
Kit Highlights
Crystal & Mineral Display Boards
- A comprehensive crystal classification chart featuring a wide variety of labeled mineral specimens
- A second display focused on mineral crystal groups, highlighting differences in structure, composition, and formation
- Color-coded labels for easy identification and study
Featured Specimens
- A clear quartz crystal point showcasing natural crystal growth
- A cluster specimen illustrating how crystals form in groups
- Additional mineral samples embedded within the display boards
Diamond & Gemstone Focus
- A visually rich diamond reference book explaining formation, cutting, and grading
- A detailed gemstone guidebook (Smithsonian Handbooks) covering identification and properties of precious and semi-precious stones
- A collector’s guide to silicate crystal structures, emphasizing the most common mineral group on Earth
Educational Materials
- Informational charts explaining crystal systems, hardness, and mineral properties
- Visual aids supporting classification by color, luster, and composition
Educational Value
This limited-edition kit provides a hands-on introduction to:
- Crystal systems and atomic structure
- Mineral identification and classification
- The formation of gemstones and diamonds
- Physical properties such as hardness, cleavage, and luster
- The role of silicates in Earth’s crust
Ideal for classrooms, geology enthusiasts, or collectors, this kit transforms complex earth science concepts into a tactile and visually engaging experience—making it both an educational tool and a display-worthy collection.
Order through the Learning Alive Order Platform using keyword Limited Edition.
Learning Alive. Where curiosity meets curriculum!
Upcoming Personal Development Opportunities
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SESSION #116384
LEARNING OFFSITE: HIGH-IMPACT MATH MASTERY:
ACTIVATING TEKS PROFICIENCY WITH HQIM AND EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
APRIL 8, 2026, 8:30 AM — 3:00 PM
COST: $150.00
FREE TO ELEVATE20 COOPERATIVES
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SAVE THE DATE
Upcoming Connect20 Sessions for Cooperative Members
This link has sessions that are 100% free for learning alive.
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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.
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