Chapter 1: A Classroom Experiment

Earlier today, I found myself in a lively classroom filled with around a dozen students, all engaged in cracking acorns. We gathered around my large black tables, with some students sorting through the good nuts while others rinsed them in water. Two nutcrackers were busy cracking the tough outer shells, while three hefty wooden mallets were employed by the kids to smash the nut meat for soaking in jars.

The conversation had recently drifted towards the idea of a zombie apocalypse, and I felt it was essential for them to learn how to thrive off the land. Just kidding! My true passion lies in hands-on learning, so I frequently organize activities that allow students to use tools, collaborate, and witness tangible results. The day before, we had ventured outside to collect acorns from the schoolyard, and today we were making acorn flour to prepare pancakes for an upcoming school potluck.

About fifteen minutes into our project, a loud shriek pierced the air. One fortunate student had cracked open an acorn only to discover it teeming with maggots—those gross, wriggling, white creatures. She dropped the acorn onto the table, and the maggots squirmed around as if they were racing to escape.

Even I found it quite revolting.

However, nothing could compare to the chaos of an entire class of shrieking teenagers. Thinking quickly, I scooped the maggots into my hand to quell the rising panic. They pulsed against my skin, as if attempting to burrow in.

As I scanned the room, my gaze fell upon my aquarium housing a dozen plump goldfish. Just as the students began to wretch at the sight of the maggots, I dropped them into the tank. The normally sluggish fish sprang into action, darting around in a frenzy to gobble up the maggots, creating an unexpected feeding spectacle.

Suddenly, the students were on the lookout for acorns with tiny holes, created by bugs laying their eggs. They cracked open as many as they could and collected the maggots in paper cups.

By the end of the period, my fish were well-fed and content, while nearly all the acorns had been cracked open. A few students even took some maggots home to feed their own fish.

Initially, I thought I might lose control of the class when the first maggots appeared. However, thanks to my experience and the cooperation of my goldfish, I managed to help the students view the maggots as something thrilling rather than frightening.

While some things can indeed be terrifying, perhaps if we shift our perspective, we can find joy in the unexpected.

For more about my classroom acorn project, read this:

Here’s What Happened When I Asked My Students to Bring Me Acorns

It began with an intriguing intersection between an NPR story and a recipe I found online.

If you're interested in understanding why certain insects choose to lay their eggs in acorns, this article might catch your attention:

Let’s Use Sex to Fight Climate Change

Here’s why engaging in discussions about reproduction—though not in the manner you might expect—is crucial.

Chapter 2: Learning from Nature

This informative video titled "How to Get Rid of Maggots (4 Easy Steps)" provides practical tips on handling unwanted maggots, turning a potentially gross situation into an opportunity for learning.

In the video "Maggot Mystery | ScienceTake | The New York Times," explore the fascinating science behind maggots and their role in the ecosystem, shedding light on the unexpected wonders of nature.