Shell facts for kids
A "shell" can mean many different things! It often refers to a hard, protective outer covering, but it can also be a part of a computer or even a big company. Let's explore some of the most common meanings of the word "shell."
Contents
Animal Shells
An animal shell is a tough, hard outer layer that protects many creatures. Think of it like a natural suit of armor! These shells help animals stay safe from predators and protect them from drying out.
Types of Animal Shells
Many different animals have shells. Here are a few examples:
- Sea shells: These are the beautiful, often colorful, hard coverings left behind by sea creatures called mollusks. Snails, clams, and oysters all have shells. They grow their shells from minerals in the water.
- Snail shells: Land snails also have shells that they carry on their backs. This shell is their home and a safe place to hide.
- Turtle shells: Turtles and tortoises have a very strong shell that is part of their skeleton. They can often pull their heads and legs inside for protection.
- Crab shells: Crabs and other crustaceans have a hard outer covering called an exoskeleton. They shed this shell as they grow in a process called molting.
What are Animal Shells Made Of?
Most animal shells, especially those of mollusks and eggs, are made mostly of calcium carbonate. This is the same material found in chalk and limestone.
Projectile Shells
In a different meaning, a "shell" can also be a type of ammunition. This kind of shell is a hollow metal case. It is designed to be fired from large weapons, like cannons or big guns. These shells can contain different materials, depending on their purpose.
Eggshells
An eggshell is the hard, protective outer layer of an egg. It keeps the soft inside of the egg safe.
What are Eggshells Made Of?
Eggshells are mostly made of calcium carbonate, just like many animal shells. They also have tiny pores, which are like tiny holes. These pores allow air to pass through, helping the baby animal inside to breathe as it grows.
Who Lays Eggs with Shells?
Many animals lay eggs with shells. Birds, reptiles, and even some fish lay eggs that have a protective outer shell.
Computer Shells
In the world of computers, a "shell" is a special program. It acts like a translator between you and the computer's operating system. The operating system is the main software that makes your computer work.
How Do Computer Shells Work?
A computer shell lets you tell the computer what to do. It takes your commands and passes them to the operating system. Then, it shows you the results.
Types of Computer Shells
There are two main types of computer shells:
- Command-line interface (CLI): With a CLI, you type text commands to tell the computer what to do. It's like talking to the computer by typing words.
- Graphical user interface (GUI): A GUI is what most people use today. It uses pictures, icons, and menus that you can click with a mouse. This makes it much easier to use a computer without typing many commands.
Shell Oil Company
"Shell" can also refer to a very large global energy company. This company is known as the Shell Oil Company or Shell plc.
What Does Shell Oil Company Do?
Shell is involved in many parts of the energy business. They find and extract oil and natural gas from the ground. They also process these resources and sell them as fuel and other products all over the world.
Images for kids
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A friendly robot, often used to represent technology.
See also
In Spanish: Shell para niños
