Some species are extremely easy to keep. They require very little space, inexpensive food, and minimal care. By raising a colony in the classroom, students can observe all the stages of development and live specimens are always available for activities and experiments. Put wood chips, empty egg cartons, or toilet paper rolls in the bottom as refugia.
Cockroaches are scavengers.
They will eat almost anything that contains organic matter. Also use dry bread, cookies, banana peels, etc. Keep the habitat relatively dry and don't let the food get too moldy. Wrap a paper towel completely around a wide-mouth jar and secure it with a rubber band. Set the jar near a wall or a corner and leave it over night.