Curated OER
Beneficial Bug Scavenger Hunt
Going on a scavenger hunt sounds like a great way to spice up any lesson plan. To better understand how beneficial insects are, the class goes outdoors to search for and observe a bug that has big benefits. Included in the lesson are...
Cornell University
Beneficial Insects
A lot of people think of insects as pests. But actually, some insects are beneficial because they get rid of pests! After learning about beneficial insects, class members research given insects to find out if they are pests or predators.
Curated OER
Beneficial Insects
Students explain different beneficial insects and useful qualities. They are exposed to exotic and common insect species.
Curated OER
Conservation in Small Spaces: Plant-Insect Interactions
Students explore ways that plants and insects impact each other, identify how different types of mouthparts allow insects to use plants in different ways, and design an insect and a plant to demonstrate mutualism.
Cornell University
Let’s Raise Lacewings
Young entomologists explored beneficial insects and how they help control pests in the first lesson of the series. Now class members take a close look at the lacewing, which is a beneficial insect.
University of Kentucky
Beneficial Bug Scavenger Hunt
Many people think of bugs as annoying pests to be squashed, but most insects and spiders are beneficial, eating the actual pests or pollinating plants. After reviewing some of the common bugs in your area (they may differ from those...
Curated OER
Field Guide to Schoolyard Insects and Their Relatives
Sometimes all you need to complete your perfect lesson plan is an awesome hands-on learning experience. Here is an extension activity that is sure to excite your learners. They'll head outside to observe the local insect community. When...
Cornell University
Too Much of a Good Thing?
Continuing their study of beneficial insects, young entomologists discover where in the world some of these bugs are. By labeling, coloring, and using the scale on a map, pupils explore the territories and arrival of the Asian lady...
Curated OER
Insects Are Helpful!
Students see that insects do lots good and are very valuable to humans and nature. This is part of an ongoing effort to dispel fears of insects. They rotate through a series of centers that have examples of how insects contribute to our...
Curated OER
Get to Know- Insects, Spiders and Others
Students investigate live insects. In this insects and spiders lesson, students work in groups to explore the outdoors and capture insects. Students observe, discuss and record information about the insects they discover. Students...
Curated OER
COMMON KINDS OF INSECTS
Young scholars will recognize and name three common insects.1. Share background information with students. 2. Provide young scholars with the "bug body" puzzle pages, and have them cut the puzzles out.1. Share background information with...
Curated OER
Beneficial Bug Scavenger Hunt
Students identify several beneficial insects and spiders, including predators and pollinators. They search an outdoor environment and record numbers and types of beneficial insects and spiders that they discover.
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
Adding Adaptations to Insects
Fourth graders investigate elements of physical adaptation in insects and organisms. They discover how adaptations can select an insect for survival and make an insect that be used in an outdoor discovery activity.
Curated OER
Insects And Pests
In this insect worksheet, students determine whether 6 different affects from insects are good or bad. Students also write at least 3 beneficial insects and 3 pests.
Curated OER
Creepy, Crawly Critters
Learners study characteristics of insects by creating models from an assortment of materials. They create rubrics showing what an insect must have and create an insect, using a bag of materials. They cut out the puzzle insects included...
Curated OER
Little Bees, Big Potential
After reading an article on the alfalfa leafcutting bee, learners chart its characteristics alongside those of the honeybee. Then they draw the leafcutter lifecycle. The article provides fascinating reading when studying the role of...
Curated OER
Bug Sweep
Learners observe and categorize insects. In this insects science lesson plan, students create a bug catcher out of a coat hanger and plastic bag, then collect bugs from the schoolyard. Learners count and categorize the insects according...
Curated OER
The Global Impact of Insect Borne Diseases & Agriculture
Students study the global impact of insect borne diseases, the appropriate use of pesticides, and the concept of human interrelations on a world wide scale. They examine how to safely apply a pesticide, according to the label.
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
WHAT'S ORGANIC?
Students explore how certain foods come to be certified "organic." They write the words "organic" and "synthetic" and given the definitions of each. Students are given dictionaries. They are asked: "What is organic food?" Students grow...
Curated OER
WHO CARES FOR THE LAND?
Students explore the importance of natural resources. They are given copies of the story, "Who Cares For The Land," and students follow
along as the teacher reads it. Students identify the key points in the story. (Soil, water and air...
Curated OER
"The Good, The Bad, and The Smelly."
Students explore insects' use of pheromones and beneficial insects versus insect pests.
Curated OER
Stream Watch
Students discuss why it is important to take care of streams, what is non-point source and point source pollution, what are some causes of pollution in streams, and what can we do to prevent some of these causes of pollution? They steam...