Investigating Insects in Nature

Students will make observations of living things. Students will be able to group or classify insects by using a set of characteristics. Students will research common names for their collected specimens and then organize the specimens into a collection. Students will learn that all insects have six legs and three body parts. Students will understand that most insects have wings as well as antennae and two kinds of eyes.

Vocab: abdomen, thorax, simple eyes, compound eyes

Order of insects:
Odanta(dragonflies)
Hemiptera(true bugs)
Diptera(fly and mosquito)
Hymenoptera(bee and ants)
Lepidoptera(butterfly and moth)
Coleoptera(beetle)
Orthoptera(grasshopper)

This lesson is written for a fifth grade classroom, including the entire group of students and making adaptations as necessary. This lesson can be broken down into segments over several weeks depending on time allotted. Most of the independent part of the lesson (bug collecting) will be done outdoors. Class time will be spent using overheads, examples, and guided instruction for insect classification purposes.

Skills needed:
-task management skills (planning out the project, carrying it out in a logical sequence, working up to ability, and carrying out task in a timely fashion)
-proper use of handling a hand lens or magnifying glass for making observations
-humane techniques for killing and collecting insects

Begin by reading Under One Rock Bugs, Slugs, and Other Ughs by Anthony D. Fredericks. Discuss what kinds of bugs and insects can be found in our area and where can we find them. Then introduce to the students expectations and responsibilities of this project. Tell students that their families are invited to get involved with this project, but it is ultimately the student's responsibility. Discuss that in order for insects to become a scientific collection, the insects must be humanely killed and then later mounted. Two techniques to prepare them are a killing jar and the freezer technique. The killing jar is a smaller jar with a tight fitting cover and a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol. Simply put the insects in and cover the jar. Make sure to avoid too many insects at one time. Insects should be dead over night. Placing the insects in the freezer will also kill them. Remind students to thaw them out before handling to prevent breaking off of parts. Students will begin by locating a few simple pieces of equipment: small glass or plastic collecting jars with covers or zip lock storage bags to capture and hold the specimens in the field. Have the students do a mini field trip around the school the first day and at home over the next few weeks looking for hiding places of insects. Remind students that insects are food for many other animals and they use camouflage and stealth to avoid predators, so they must look closely. Most insects can be handled safely, but rubber or other thin gloves can be used.
While students are collecting insects at home, class time should be spent discussing the main parts of the insects (head, abdomen, and thorax). Students will also need to know the seven common groups of classification. Tell students that there are actually 32 orders of classification, but only seven are being used for this project.
Order of insects:
Odanta(dragonflies)
Hemiptera(true bugs)
Diptera(fly and mosquito)
Hymenoptera(bee and ants)
Lepidoptera(butterfly and moth)
Coleoptera(beetle)
Orthoptera(grasshopper)

Samples, overheads, and any books from the library can be used to help class discussion.
Some of the class time should be used for research on the internet or in the library to help students organize their specimens. Students will organize their collection by family groups and then label the insect's name on a slip of paper for them to pin or glue next to the insect. Shoe box tops, Styrofoam or cork board work well for mounting the collection.
Collections should have a set due date. When the collections are finished, put them on display in the library or in halls for all to see. This lesson can also be summed up with a summary paper on a student's favorite insect. An illustration can be added as well. Another extension is to have the students make a bug net out of a pillow case, coat hanger, and a 2 foot wooden dowel.

This is will be my first time teaching this lesson. Another teacher has taught this lesson at my school and it went over well. Make sure a parent letter is sent home informing parents of the project. Remind students that the collecting and making of the mounting collection is to be done at home with help from the family.

Every insect should be labeled with the correct family name (butterflies, flies, etc.) which is worth one point. Every insect labeled with the correct common name (monarch, horsefly, etc.) is worth two points. Points will be available for time management (planning, organizing, and neatness).

grade 5- 1B Inquiry
IV F 1,2,3
Students will understand the process of scientific investigation