A hermit crab lives in other mollusks' cast-off shells - and this one seems to be thinking of a new home.
Seashells are fascinating to kids and are a very flexible prop for teaching them about a plethora of subjects, including geology, biology, history, oceanography and ecology. This flexibility allows a teacher to assign a single project for the whole class, several projects for teams, or a multifaceted project over a period of time.
Oceanography
Teach kids about the environments of different types of mollusks and have them find examples of seashells found in deep and shallow water, on reefs, clustered near the shore, and inland in tidal pools. Have them find samples of shells and mount them on posterboard to illustrate the various environments and why the mollusks live where they do. Have them research the scientific names of all the examples.
Fossils
Some of the earliest fossils ever found are seashells turned to stone. Have the class research early fossilized seashells, how long ago they died, and what the earth was like at that time. In particular, have them report on the climate of their state or region those many millions of years ago. Have them report how fossils are formed and why the earliest fossils are mainly plants and small shellfish, then have them compare the fossils to their modern descendents.
Chemistry
Have the class research what seashells are made of, how they form, and what purposes they serve. Ask them what other natural objects are made of the same substances, and what happens to old seashells as they break down in nature. Another approach would be to investigate what uses are made of seashells in industry and other human endeavors.
Biology
Have kids report on shellfish as living animals. Investigate what they eat, how they move around in their environment, how they reproduce, and how their populations are holding up worldwide. Ask what their major predators are and what defenses shellfish have developed to protect themselves. Examine how long several varieties live and how that compares to shellfish in general. Ask what traits are shared by such dissimilar animals as the octupus and the oyster. Trace the development of one animal through its history.
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