How to Live Life like a Lobster

knolan@stfranciscollege.edu

This is an anatomy/analogy lesion that can be used with your students.  You must buy TWO LIVE lobsters, one male and one female.   Wrap them up in wet newspapers, and refrigerate.  Do NOT freeze or put on ice!  They should keep several hours or even overnight before your presentation.  The element of surprise is essential.  Put the lobsters in a bag and inconspicuously sneak them into the classroom.  When the students look like they are nodding off, whip out the lobsters.  Then point out these seven important points:

1.  Here are the antennae.  The lobster uses them to feel in front of them for food.  You should always keep your antennae out for opportunities.
2. Notice the eyes are projected outward on stalks.  Keep your eye out for service learning opportunities, or ways in which you can help others. 
3. Note the large claws.  These are used for directing their prey toward their mouths.  Don’t prey upon others, nor try to claw your way to the top.  If you keep your head above water, and stay calm, you will succeed.  A gradual approach to the “top” is better.
4. The lobster has 5 pairs of legs—the claws, and eight pairs of walking legs.  You don’t need to everything yourself.  You can use the legs of others to help you on your journey.
5. Swimmerets are the appendages that help the lobster swim.  If you can’t walk, you can swim.  There is often more than one way to get around a problem.
6. The lower half of the lobster is predominantly composed of the abdominal flexor muscle.  You’ll need to flex your muscles and work hard in life. 
7. Tap the carapace of the lobster---kind of hard.  You need to develop a thick skin.  Sometimes you might molt, but you won’t melt! 

When you have concluded your anatomy/analogy lesson, you can welcome the students up to look at the differences between the genders.  The first set of swimmerets in the male is harder than the first set in the females.  They can also observe the movement of the many appendages, including the mouth pieces such as the mandibles and maxillipeds.  Now wrap up the lobsters, take them home and cook them for a splendid feast!

The two Larry’s eating lobster at the ABLE banquet in Halifax, Nova Scotia, June 2010