Cornell University
Insect Anatomy
Young entomologists discover insect anatomy in a very detailed unit plan. Offering background information for teachers about various insects, class members explore the differences between bugs and insects—and yes, there are many...
Curated OER
Invent an Insect
Explore biology by researching adaptation. First, learners research and define a list of insect vocabulary terms and discuss the benefits of each insect characteristic. They then utilize a worksheet to create their own insect and share...
Intel
Insects: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
What would the world be like with no insects? Ponder this question using a research-based STEM unit that encourages scholars to investigate insects from both a beneficial and hazardous perspective. They learn about insect behaviors,...
Curated OER
Measuring Animal Sizes (and Relative Sizes in our Animal Environment)
Young scholars discover the actual size and weight of many insects and animals. In this biology lesson plan, students investigate animals and insects to determine their actual weight and size. In groups, young scholars create an animal...
McGraw Hill
Arthropods
Are spiders related to crabs? Study the order of arthropods with a reading selection about animal diversity. It provides details about each class within the order, as well as vivid pictures and explanatory charts.
Curated OER
Learning to Resist: Watercolor
Consider wax resist drawings as a way to bridge art and science. Learners view, discuss, and practice drawing insects or animals using waxy crayons. They pay attention to the creature's features as they create images with watercolor and...
American Museum of Natural History
Anatomy Adventure
Sometimes science is puzzling. Using an online animation, individuals manipulate skeletal bones of an ancient species to recreate its skeleton. Learners complete the skeletal puzzle and learn about the process of paleontology in person...
Curated OER
Under the Spell of Spiders!
Students read about spider body parts, abilities, tendencies, and life cycles. In this Under the Spell of Spiders! lesson plan, students create mystery creatures that turn out to be spiders. Students catch and observe spiders and...
Curated OER
Trout Cookies
Students explore the external anatomy of a fish. In this anatomy and adaptations instructional activity, students look at an image of a trout and identify its various external features including fins, eyes, spots, parr marks and lateral...
Curated OER
I Wish I Were a Butterfly
Students inquire about biology by reading a children's book in class. In this insect lesson plan, students read the story "I Wish I Were a Butterfly" and identify the unique characteristics of butterflies and other insects. Students...
Curated OER
Insect Biology and Ecology: A Primer
Students explore insects and closely related organisms. They examine the growth and development of a lady beetle. Students classify insects and organize them. They investigate pest management.
Curated OER
The World of Insects and Spiders
Students identify numerous insects and their body parts. In this insect life lesson, students practice using scientific vocabulary while comparing the different parts of spiders and insects. Students view several videos discussing the...
Curated OER
Animals Project for German Students
Who doesn't love animals? Young learners will be excited to develop their vocabulary and categorize animals into different lists. This includes a fun extension activity that encourages the older learners to create a PowerPoint...
Curated OER
Habitat Hopscotch
Third graders explore animal characteristics by participating in a bat environment game. In this natural habitat lesson, 3rd graders identify the physical anatomy of a bat and discuss their eating and sleeping habits. Students conduct a...
Curated OER
Arthropod Coloring
In this arthropod worksheet, students compare and contrast the different animals found in the Phylum Arthropoda: insects, arachnids, and crustaceans. Students complete 8 fill in the blank statements and color illustrations.
Curated OER
Life Cycle
Third graders examine and compare the life cycles of a variety of different animals. They analyze photos of animals and discuss any unique body parts and why those parts function they way they do. Next, they observe mealworms and...
Curated OER
Ants In Motion
Students brainstorm ants and their characteristics in a class discussion. They observe the ants and answer question pertaining to their behavior; then they apply the scientific method in creating and investigating a problem.
Curated OER
Learning in Cockroaches
Students make scientific observations. In this stimulus response lesson, students make observations and collect data to determine if cockroaches can learn. A secondary purpose of this lesson is to provide students with the opportunity to...
Curated OER
Science: Birds in Flight
Students identify and examine adaptations in birds that enable them to fly. They conduct Internet research to relate these adaptations to the physics of flight. Students observe birds in flight and describe their behavior and flight...
Curated OER
Learning About Animals' Bodies
Students research different animals (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, birds, fish) and create books, murals, dioramas, puppets, and sculptures to illustrate the necessity of various body parts for overall survival. In this animal...
Curated OER
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Fourth graders participate in a play to work on seeing events from a different perspective. Some of them are reporters, some cameramen and women, and others are interviewed. They put themselves in the shoes of the people in the book...
Curated OER
Classification of Animals
Third graders practice classiyfying items and identify three major characteristics scientists use to classify animals. They describe the differences between ectothermic and endothermic animals.