Abstract
Terrestrial isopods - woodlice - are among the most abundant representatives of soil invertebrates who play an important role in the decomposition of dead organic matter, contribute to humus formation and participate in other soil-forming processes. Because of their good availability and macroscopic size, they are well suited for practical school teaching.
The aim of our contribution is to present a practical exercise in which pupils will learn about the morphology, food biology and ecological demands of terrestrial isopods and their role in soil-forming processes. They will also try to identify isopods using a simplified determination key.
The exercise is designed for teaching Nature/Biology at the second stage of elementary schools and at the lower stage of multi-year grammar schools. In the paper we will also introduce the results of validation of the practical exercise in teaching at one grammar school and one elementary school in Prague, and evaluate its influence on the knowledge and attitudes of pupils.