Goals and Objectives

Learn the anatomy of an insect and have children discover for themselves that insects have 3 pairs of legs.

Materials and Resources

Insect nets, picture books of insects, pipe cleaners, scissors, crayons, markers, egg cartons (cut to 3 segments), hole punch, insect field guides, insect collection box, butterfly cut outs

Instructional Sequence

Students will hike through Ballard Park in search of various insects.  As students trek through the woods and quarry, they will try to find as many different kinds of insects as they can.  Each pair will be given a net and insect collection box in order to catch some insects and bring them back to the group for sharing.  Students are told not to catch bees or wasps.

Once pairs have had ample time to hunt for insects, they will rejoin the group and share their findings.  Students should try to identify the insects using the field guides.  At this time, students should begin to think about the importance of different kinds of insects within Ballard Park.  All insects will be let loose at the end of the observation period.

Students will create their own insect to take home.  They may use either the butterfly cut out or egg carton to create the body.  Use the hole punch to create places to insert the antenna and legs.  Pipe cleaners will be used for antenna and legs.  Students can use crayons and markers to decorate their “insect”.

Closing

Collect materials and observe the different insects created.  Check for ticks before leaving the park.