Question
To kill, or not to kill?
That is the question.
Should I kill spiders in my home? by Matt Bertone
The Problem:
People often find spiders in or around their homes. To those with arachnophobia, one tiny spider can strike terror in the bravest of men. It may seem natural to kill the creature at all costs, but scientists believe there is more harm in killing the arachnids than there is in keeping your tiny roommates. Using the sources provided, you must take a stance on this issue and support your opinion with evidence from the text. Should you kill or cohabitate with these eight-legged friends?
Video Sources: Quote at least two of these sources in your work.
"Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Kill Spiders In Your Home”
Do Spiders have a purpose? Are they more helpful than harmful? Watch this video to see what you think.
“You’re Wrong About the Brown Recluse Spider”
Is the brown recluse really a threat? Watch this video to find out.
“Woman survives brown recluse spider bites after walking into shed in Georgia”
Is this a case of carelessness, or aggression?
Written Sources: Quote at least two of these sources in your work.
1. American Pest Control, Inc.
“Are House Spiders in Georgia Dangerous?”
2. UGA Today
“Joro Spiders Likely to Spread Beyond Georgia”
3. Savannah Morning News
“Natural Georgia: Hard to sleep with venomous brown recluse nearby”
4. Mayo Clinic
“Spider Bites”
The Task:
Now that you’re aware of the arguments for and against killing the spiders in your domicile, you must convince others to agree with your opinion. You will choose a role, audience, format, and topic to write about. This type of writing is called a RAFT, and you can find more information about RAFTs Here.
While this is a creative writing activity, you must still use quotes and examples from the texts to support your topic/opinion.
Here is an example:
Role: I will write as a precocious and intelligent child
Audience: My audience will be my mother who is scared of ALL bugs
Format: I will create a powerpoint presentation that includes images and paragraphs of persuasive writing to convince her to think logically about the bug population.
Topic: I will convince my mom to let all spiders live, because they will actually kill the other insects that are more harmful (like mosquitos).
“Every Spider in Your House- and What They’re Doing There”
Which spiders are friends, and which ones are dangerous. Is there time to determine type before squashing the bug in your bedroom?
Things to Consider about Informational Texts:
Purpose and Audience:
Tone and Style:
Use of Detail:
Use of Supporting Evidence :
Impact of the Text:
RAFT IDEAS
Role: Pretend to be a scientist, concerned roommate, doctor, arachnophobic person, time traveler who has seen the results of killing or keeping spiders. Just pick a character to play and use vocabulary that is appropriate for that person in your creative writing piece.
Format: You can write a scientific journal article, a rap, a letter, a portion of a book chapter, a speech, a monologue for a play, and anything in between. Your primary requirement is to include quotes from the text to support your opinion, and to follow any formatting guidelines for the type of writing you choose to submit.
Topic: Your topic must be for or against killing house spiders. Please don’t argue for a hybrid “kill some, keep others” for this specific assignment. Make a strong stance and defend it proudly!
Project Rubric:
Project clearly and creatively integrates role, audience, format, and topic. Demonstrates a deep understanding of RAFT elements.
Project demonstrates a high level of originality and inventiveness. Student was willing to take chances and engage in creative exploration.
Presents a compelling argument with clear, logical reasoning. Utilizes quotes from two articles and two videos.
Project demonstrates strong use of critical thinking skills, such as identifying and asking significant questions, interpreting information, and drawing conclusions.
YOUR RAFT SHOULD LOOK LIKE THIS
RAFT Example:
R: point
A: teacher
F: letter
T: convince the teacher that you have an important function
Dear Mrs. Havens
I am Pete, the point. I am on point of an endless number of points in space. I want to ask you if you will teach your students about us points and explain how every single geometric figure is made up of us. It is very important to me because it seems that many people think of the point as a small part of geometry since we are so little. Through we are little, we are one of the most important factors of our world of geometry. Without me and all other point, there would be no geometric figures. We are their building blocks. Through all lines are drawn with one solif mark, in reality, a line is an endless set of points going in opposite directions. A sphere is a figure with all points at an equal distance from a center point like me. So please, tell your students all about us points. It troubles me when many think of us as unimportant specks in space. Please, spread the reality of our importance to the students you teach. My partners and I would appreciate it greatly. Thank you.
A point,
Pete
That is the question.
Should I kill spiders in my home? by Matt Bertone
The Problem:
People often find spiders in or around their homes. To those with arachnophobia, one tiny spider can strike terror in the bravest of men. It may seem natural to kill the creature at all costs, but scientists believe there is more harm in killing the arachnids than there is in keeping your tiny roommates. Using the sources provided, you must take a stance on this issue and support your opinion with evidence from the text. Should you kill or cohabitate with these eight-legged friends?
Video Sources: Quote at least two of these sources in your work.
"Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Kill Spiders In Your Home”
Do Spiders have a purpose? Are they more helpful than harmful? Watch this video to see what you think.
“You’re Wrong About the Brown Recluse Spider”
Is the brown recluse really a threat? Watch this video to find out.
“Woman survives brown recluse spider bites after walking into shed in Georgia”
Is this a case of carelessness, or aggression?
Written Sources: Quote at least two of these sources in your work.
1. American Pest Control, Inc.
“Are House Spiders in Georgia Dangerous?”
2. UGA Today
“Joro Spiders Likely to Spread Beyond Georgia”
3. Savannah Morning News
“Natural Georgia: Hard to sleep with venomous brown recluse nearby”
4. Mayo Clinic
“Spider Bites”
The Task:
Now that you’re aware of the arguments for and against killing the spiders in your domicile, you must convince others to agree with your opinion. You will choose a role, audience, format, and topic to write about. This type of writing is called a RAFT, and you can find more information about RAFTs Here.
While this is a creative writing activity, you must still use quotes and examples from the texts to support your topic/opinion.
Here is an example:
Role: I will write as a precocious and intelligent child
Audience: My audience will be my mother who is scared of ALL bugs
Format: I will create a powerpoint presentation that includes images and paragraphs of persuasive writing to convince her to think logically about the bug population.
Topic: I will convince my mom to let all spiders live, because they will actually kill the other insects that are more harmful (like mosquitos).
“Every Spider in Your House- and What They’re Doing There”
Which spiders are friends, and which ones are dangerous. Is there time to determine type before squashing the bug in your bedroom?
Things to Consider about Informational Texts:
Purpose and Audience:
Tone and Style:
Use of Detail:
Use of Supporting Evidence :
Impact of the Text:
RAFT IDEAS
Role: Pretend to be a scientist, concerned roommate, doctor, arachnophobic person, time traveler who has seen the results of killing or keeping spiders. Just pick a character to play and use vocabulary that is appropriate for that person in your creative writing piece.
Format: You can write a scientific journal article, a rap, a letter, a portion of a book chapter, a speech, a monologue for a play, and anything in between. Your primary requirement is to include quotes from the text to support your opinion, and to follow any formatting guidelines for the type of writing you choose to submit.
Topic: Your topic must be for or against killing house spiders. Please don’t argue for a hybrid “kill some, keep others” for this specific assignment. Make a strong stance and defend it proudly!
Project Rubric:
Project clearly and creatively integrates role, audience, format, and topic. Demonstrates a deep understanding of RAFT elements.
Project demonstrates a high level of originality and inventiveness. Student was willing to take chances and engage in creative exploration.
Presents a compelling argument with clear, logical reasoning. Utilizes quotes from two articles and two videos.
Project demonstrates strong use of critical thinking skills, such as identifying and asking significant questions, interpreting information, and drawing conclusions.
YOUR RAFT SHOULD LOOK LIKE THIS
RAFT Example:
R: point
A: teacher
F: letter
T: convince the teacher that you have an important function
Dear Mrs. Havens
I am Pete, the point. I am on point of an endless number of points in space. I want to ask you if you will teach your students about us points and explain how every single geometric figure is made up of us. It is very important to me because it seems that many people think of the point as a small part of geometry since we are so little. Through we are little, we are one of the most important factors of our world of geometry. Without me and all other point, there would be no geometric figures. We are their building blocks. Through all lines are drawn with one solif mark, in reality, a line is an endless set of points going in opposite directions. A sphere is a figure with all points at an equal distance from a center point like me. So please, tell your students all about us points. It troubles me when many think of us as unimportant specks in space. Please, spread the reality of our importance to the students you teach. My partners and I would appreciate it greatly. Thank you.
A point,
Pete
Answers
GPT-4o mini
**RAFT Example:**
**Role:** A concerned scientist
**Audience:** Homeowners who fear spiders
**Format:** Informative article
**Topic:** Convince homeowners to coexist with spiders rather than kill them
---
**Title: The Vital Role of Spiders in Our Homes: Why Coexistence is Key**
As a concerned scientist, I understand the fear and aversion many homeowners have towards spiders. However, it is crucial to recognize the significant ecological role these eight-legged creatures play in maintaining a balanced household environment. Rather than seeking to eliminate these beneficial arachnids, I urge homeowners to adopt a coexistence mindset for the sake of their homes and overall well-being.
First and foremost, research underscores the importance of spiders as pest control agents. According to the video "Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Kill Spiders In Your Home," spiders consume a variety of household pests, including flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches. This natural predation significantly reduces the need for chemical insecticides, which can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. By allowing spiders to thrive in your home, you are essentially inviting a team of diligent pest controllers that help keep unwanted insects at bay.
Furthermore, the notion that all spiders pose a significant danger to humans is largely exaggerated. The article from American Pest Control states, "House spiders are not dangerous and are more likely to hide than to attack." The infamous brown recluse spider, often feared for its venomous bite, is not as much of a threat as commonly perceived. The video "You’re Wrong About the Brown Recluse Spider" explains that encounters with these spiders are relatively rare, and bites are typically only provoked during accidental contact. Educating ourselves on the behaviors and characteristics of common house spiders can alleviate fears and encourage a more compassionate perspective towards these creatures.
Additionally, maintaining a diverse ecosystem within homes contributes to a healthier living environment. The article "Natural Georgia: Hard to sleep with venomous brown recluse nearby" highlights that many spiders serve as essential indicators of a balanced ecosystem. A home with a stable spider population is often a sign of a naturally vibrant environment, leading to improved air quality and reduced insect populations. Instead of reaching for a fly swatter, consider allowing these arachnids to thrive, as they are integral components of a healthy home ecosystem.
In summary, I implore homeowners to reconsider their instinct to kill spiders. Rather than viewing these creatures with fear and animosity, recognize their invaluable contributions to pest control and ecosystem health. As the video "Do Spiders have a purpose?" aptly illustrates, spiders are not mere annoyances but vital players in maintaining the harmony within our households. Let us embrace coexistence with these remarkable creatures and foster a healthier, safer, and more balanced living environment.
Emphasizing the importance of education and understanding while combating fear will lead to a paradigm shift in how we perceive spiders. After all, as scientists, we aim to protect life in all its forms, even the smallest of our neighbors.
Sincerely,
Dr. Alex Arachnid
Concerned Scientist
**Role:** A concerned scientist
**Audience:** Homeowners who fear spiders
**Format:** Informative article
**Topic:** Convince homeowners to coexist with spiders rather than kill them
---
**Title: The Vital Role of Spiders in Our Homes: Why Coexistence is Key**
As a concerned scientist, I understand the fear and aversion many homeowners have towards spiders. However, it is crucial to recognize the significant ecological role these eight-legged creatures play in maintaining a balanced household environment. Rather than seeking to eliminate these beneficial arachnids, I urge homeowners to adopt a coexistence mindset for the sake of their homes and overall well-being.
First and foremost, research underscores the importance of spiders as pest control agents. According to the video "Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Kill Spiders In Your Home," spiders consume a variety of household pests, including flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches. This natural predation significantly reduces the need for chemical insecticides, which can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. By allowing spiders to thrive in your home, you are essentially inviting a team of diligent pest controllers that help keep unwanted insects at bay.
Furthermore, the notion that all spiders pose a significant danger to humans is largely exaggerated. The article from American Pest Control states, "House spiders are not dangerous and are more likely to hide than to attack." The infamous brown recluse spider, often feared for its venomous bite, is not as much of a threat as commonly perceived. The video "You’re Wrong About the Brown Recluse Spider" explains that encounters with these spiders are relatively rare, and bites are typically only provoked during accidental contact. Educating ourselves on the behaviors and characteristics of common house spiders can alleviate fears and encourage a more compassionate perspective towards these creatures.
Additionally, maintaining a diverse ecosystem within homes contributes to a healthier living environment. The article "Natural Georgia: Hard to sleep with venomous brown recluse nearby" highlights that many spiders serve as essential indicators of a balanced ecosystem. A home with a stable spider population is often a sign of a naturally vibrant environment, leading to improved air quality and reduced insect populations. Instead of reaching for a fly swatter, consider allowing these arachnids to thrive, as they are integral components of a healthy home ecosystem.
In summary, I implore homeowners to reconsider their instinct to kill spiders. Rather than viewing these creatures with fear and animosity, recognize their invaluable contributions to pest control and ecosystem health. As the video "Do Spiders have a purpose?" aptly illustrates, spiders are not mere annoyances but vital players in maintaining the harmony within our households. Let us embrace coexistence with these remarkable creatures and foster a healthier, safer, and more balanced living environment.
Emphasizing the importance of education and understanding while combating fear will lead to a paradigm shift in how we perceive spiders. After all, as scientists, we aim to protect life in all its forms, even the smallest of our neighbors.
Sincerely,
Dr. Alex Arachnid
Concerned Scientist