The Insects unit provides experiences that heighten students' awareness of the diversity of animal forms. They come to know firsthand the life sequences of a number of insects. In each investigation an insect is introduced, and students observe structures and behaviors, discuss their findings, and ask questions. Students observe life cycles of insects and compare the stages of metamorphosis exhibited by each species.
The students are expected to:
- Develop a curiosity and interest in insects and a respect for them as living things.
- Experience some of the great diversity of forms in the animal kingdom.
- Become familiar with some of the life sequences that different types of insects exhibit (simple and complete metamorphosis).
- Observe the similarities and differences in the larvae, pupae, and adults of insects that go through complete metamorphosis.
- Observe the behaviors of insects at different stages of their life cycle.
- Provide for the needs of insects (air, water, food, and space).
- Acquire the vocabulary associated with insect life.
They observe: mealworms, waxworms, milkweed bugs, silkworms, butterflies
Others: crickets, ants
Mealworms
Insects need air, food ,water, and space
Have characteristic structures & behaviors
Life cycle of the beetle; egg, larva, pupa, adult that produces eggs
Waxworms
Have similar structures & behaviors
Larvae produce silk
Milkweed bugs
Hatch from eggs
Have 3 body parts; head, thorax, abdomen
Have different structures for eating different food
Some go through simple metamorphosis; egg nymph adult
Silkworms
Larvae have structures in common
Adults have structures in common
Male & females mate - female lays eggs
Moths pupate in silk cocoons
Butterflies
Larvae & adults have structures in common
Life cycle of the butterfly- complete metamorphosis; egg, larva, pupa, adult
Other
Can live underground, above ground, in water
Interactive Activities for the Insects unit
Supplemental Literacy Lists
Teacher Recommended Resources
Recommended Websites
