You One of Us?This lesson plan introduces students to systematics, the science of classification of insects and other living things. Students will learn that scientists classify living things according to similarities and differences. Available for grades K-2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6. Insect Crafts for Kids: With "The Art of Flying," students will make a model to demonstrate how an insect moves its wings. In Seeing is Believing…or Is It? students will compare images of insects, then create their own drawing and cartoons. Through a hands-on simulation in "Feeding Frenzy," students will explore how an insect's mouthparts are adapted for a particular food source. Students will compare human and insect senses to understand how insects gather information about their environment with "Feelin’ Buggy." Camouflage: A Study of Stealth and SurvivalStudents will understand various types of insect camouflage. |
Smile... You're on Insect Camera!Students will observe, make hypotheses, and draw conclusions about insects and their habitats.Create an InsectTo demonstrate their knowledge of insects and their characteristics, each student will create a unique insect. Other inexpensive ideas for the classroom: 1. Get mealworms from a pet store (around $3 for a couple dozen). Students can put a couple of them in a Petri dish with their favorite cereal from home (baby rice cereal—dry, works best) then observe them over a period of weeks to monitor growth and development. Students can also test different temperatures, addition of different chunks of fruits/vegetables, light, etc. 2. Flightless fruit flies—from a pet store (about $3-$4 for a bottle. This includes food for the flies.) Students can observe complete metamorphosis over and over as the flies go through their life cycle. For an added twist, have the students place bottles of the flies in different temperatures or different amounts of light. |
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resources. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers/resources/subj_13_03.html NASA Summer of Innovation Lesson Plans—four areas are covered for grades 4-9: Life Science (4-6), Physical Science (4-6), Earth and Space Science (7-9), and Engineering (7-9). http://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/programs/national/summer/education_resources/ PBS Zoom Science—Activities for elementary students in the following areas: Chemistry, Engineering:Design It, The Five Senses, Forces and Energy, Life Sciences:Live It Up, Patterns:Detect It, |
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One of the additions for the up-coming Next Generation Science Standards is the specific incorporation of science and engineering practices. Here are some links for engineering activities for all of the grade levels. National Engineers Foundation—”National Engineers Week—Feb. 19-25 , 2012” - There are many plans and directions for grades K-12. http://www.eweek.org/EngineersWeek/DiscoverE.aspx?ContentID=91 NOVA Teachers—”Technology and Engineering Classroom Activities”. Classroom activities range from building bridges, dams, and domes to designing multi-use backpacks. There are ideas from other teachers, related topics, and |
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Sound:Listen Up, Structures:Build It, and Water:Go With the Flow. http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/sci/ |
Getting Ready for the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) |
http://www.orkin.com/learningcenter/kids_and_teachers_lessonplans.aspx |
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Orkin—Insect Lesson Plans—grades K-2, 3-4, and 5-6 |
