How I first learned about the Axolotl...

I personally had no idea what an axolotl was 2 years ago. While teaching an online classes about animals, a student in my weekly "Zoo Explorers Club" almost begged me to teach a class talking about this little creature.

I had asked for ideas for future classes, but had never heard of this animal.

"A WHAT?" I inquired.

"An axolotl."

"How do you spell that?" I asked.

"I have NO idea" replied the 3rd grader.

"I'll tell you what," I told him, "Let's see if I can find some information on this creature. I will let you know next week." Perhaps something mythical, I half-thought to myself.

As I typed in how I thought this animal was spelled into a google search, I was astounded to find out that this was a character in a popular video game called Minecraft that countless kids love to play.

4 Reasons Kids Need to Learn About the Axolotl

1. First of all, it is important to teach about the amazing axolotl because this little salamander is critically endangered

Any animal that is endangered, in my opinion, is important to study.

By bringing attention to the sweet but slimy axolotl, who appears to always be smiling, more people will hear about its plight and hopefully make an effort to help it.

Although there are as many as 1 million in captivity (pets) like the cute little pink ones you see on social media, there are less than 1,000 left in the wild.

And they basically only exist naturally in swampy Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco in the southern part of Mexico City. Much of their habitat has been drained, or has become polluted because of human development.

The axolotl is in danger of becoming extinct in the wild within the next decade.

Thankfully, efforts are being made between Mexican farmers and scientists to save the axolotl. For example, the local farmers create "floating gardens" in Lake Xochimilco that make a perfect habitat for the axolotls.

How can your learners make a difference? Here are 3 ideas:

• Learn about the axolotl and tell others about them. Perhaps make posters and post them around the school or neighborhood.
• Host a fundraising party to raise awareness and funds for the axolotl.
• Instead of raising an axolotl as a pet (which decreases genetic diversity because of inbreeding) consider taking that money and giving it to conservation efforts.

2. Scientists are very interested in the amazing axolotl because of its "superpower" of regenerating tissue, thus a biology lesson for learners!

Okay, so maybe they are not quite like the superpowers seen on television, but the axolotl does have the power to regenerate many body parts, with an amazing precision.

Axolotls are one of the most important animals that scientists have for studying regeneration.

Axolotls not only regenerate limbs, but also their lungs, heart, jaws, spines and even parts of their brain!

For over 200 years, scientists have been studying their tissue regeneration ability in the hopes that they can somehow use it to serve humans in the future.

Another "superpower" that they have, is their ability to change several hues lighter or darker, in order to camouflage themselves.

3. The amazing axolotl can be part of a unit study on amphibians

Animal classification is such a fun area of exploration for learners. The axolotl can be an engaging introduction to the amphibian class of animals. Other amphibians to study could include frogs, toads and newts. What fun!

4. It is an opportunity for educators to teach about the axolotl, which is a popular and trending creature

Taking advantage of the trending axolotl, makes for an engaging lesson that learners will soak up like a sponge.

Let's face it, students tend to retain more of what they are interested in. However, when the axolotl is replaced with another trending creature, this little amphibian will still be worth studying!

A look at some fun Axolotl activities...

Getting back to the beginning of my story, the little boy in the class who requested an axolotl lesson, was overjoyed when I informed him that yes, I was going to teach it.

Not only did I teach the class, but I created several engaging resources about Axolotls:

Axolotl Bingo

Axolotl Science and Art Activity

Axolotl Party that includes activities, decorations and favors

Axolotl and frog paper craft

Wishing you "alotl" joy today!

Blessings, Annette