Embrace the Outdoors: Insects
Shrink down to the size of a bug and explore the tiny titans of our planet with the "Embrace the Outdoors: Insects" unit study. This engaging guide invites you to look closer at the grass, soil, and sky to discover the most diverse group of animals on Earth.
What’s Inside the Insects Unit?
This unit provides a fascinating look into the anatomy, behaviors, and incredible intelligence of the insect world.
Understanding Insects: Learn exactly what makes an insect an insect! From their three-part bodies and six legs to their resilient exoskeletons, students will learn to distinguish true insects from other creepy-crawlies.
Warrior & Architect Insects: Discover the "conquerors" of the animal kingdom. Study the strength of warrior insects like the stag beetle, the beauty of butterflies and dragonflies, and the complex social structures and "staggering homes" built by ants and bees.
Insect Wonder Pages: Dive into the unique features that make insects seemingly indestructible despite their tiny size, exploring how they have successfully colonized almost every environment on the planet.
Identification Skills: Use the included posters and reference decks to identify common insects found in your own neighborhood or local park.
Engaging Activities & Field Inquiry
This pack is designed to get students out into the field with hands-on STEM projects and observations:
Ant Picnic Inquiry: Conduct a scientific experiment by setting out a "picnic" for local ants to observe their preferences, communication, and teamwork in real-time.
Insect Pitfall Trap: Learn how to safely and humanely catch and observe ground-dwelling insects using a DIY pitfall trap.
Nighttime Insect Study: Discover the world of nocturnal insects! This activity guides students through the process of attracting and observing bugs that only come out after the sun goes down.
Insect Nature Walk & Sighting Log: Head outdoors with a structured guide to search for specific insect behaviors and habitats, recording your findings like a real entomologist.
Creative Arts & Recipes: Bring the theme into the kitchen and the art room with insect-themed recipes and creative craft projects.
Whether you're uncovering a hidden ant colony or watching a dragonfly over a pond, this unit provides the perfect blend of scientific facts and outdoor exploration to spark a lifelong curiosity about the natural world.
* This is a digital product. No physical item will be sent.
