CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Biology: Insects
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Discusses characteristics of insects.
University of Arizona
U of Arizona: Using Live Insects in Elem. Classrooms
A collection of twenty lessons with science and math activities that use live insects.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Is It an Insect?
In this activity, students will explore the characteristics of insects by sorting a collection of organisms found in pond water. Students will sort insects from non-insects. Lesson plan includes basic procedure for activity.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Life Science: Insects
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Insects, with over a million described species, are the most diverse group of animals on Earth. They may be found in nearly all environments on the planet. No matter...
University of Arizona
Center for Insect Science Education Outreach: Getting to Know You: Meal Worms
Students become connected with nature by handling and caring for another living creature. Focuses on insect care and familiarization with a meal worm.
Michigan Reach Out
Reach Out: What Is an Insect
A thorough lesson plan site that explores the definition and characteristics of an insect. Contains several informative links. Suggests a number of hands on activities.
University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky: Insects All Year
The University of Kentucky provides information and activities about insects for each month of the year. Projects include art and observational activities.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: A Simple Way to Tell Insects Apart
Anika Hazra explains how the features of an insect's mouthparts can help identify which order it belongs to, while also providing clues about how it evolved and what it feeds on.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Life Science: 9.16 Insect Food
See how insects get food, and what they eat to survive.
Regents of the University of Michigan
Animal Diversity Web: Class Insecta
The Animal Diversity Web surveys the general characteristics of the insect class and features such topics as habitat, anatomy, body systems, reproduction, and development.
Other
The Bug Club: Bug Pets
The Bug Club for young entomologists offers answers to insect questions, a colorful newspaper, and invertebrate caresheets if you're interested in keeping bugs as pets.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating Insects in Nature
In this lab, students will collect insects while making close observations of living things. They will then classify insects into seven common groups based on characteristics discussed in the classroom.
Texas A&M University
Texas A&m: Adding Adaptations to Insects
A lesson plan site that illustrates how certain adaptations will enhance an insects chances for survival.
Other
Tom Moore, Mulrennan Research Center/ Mosquito
The first section describes the general characteristics of the mosquito
Other
Billy Bear4 Kids: Butterflies and Bugs
BillyBear4Kids.com is a great butterfly resource with links to butterfly cut-outs, flashcards, bookmarks, crafts, online games, and more. Scroll down for reproducibles.
Other
The Animals Page
Provides an easy to understand overview of animals from protozoa and echinoderms to insects, mammals, birds, and fish.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Backyard Bugs
This video segment from Wild TV takes a closer look at backyard bugs, their habitat and characteristics. [2:48]
Sea World Parks & Entertainment
Sea World: Animal Information Database
Sea World's site featuring a variety of information about their animals, as well as general animal information. Includes "Animal Bytes," a list of animals with some of their characteristics. Also includes some games and teacher resources.
Other
Natural Perspective: Joint Legs (Arthropoda)
A brief description of arthropoda and their population on the earth today. Som pictures of examples of the different classes of arthropods. (Includes insects, arachnids, crustacians, and malacostraca.)
PBS
Nh Pbs: Nature Works: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Explore the world of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail when you visit this resource. The content of this site includes a look at this species' characteristics, range, habitat, food, and more.
Scholastic
Scholastic Instructor: Ladybug, Ladybug
Learn more about the world's most well-known beetle, the ladybug, when you explore this resource. This resource features hands-on math and science activities focused on these fascinating little insects.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Science Explorations: Uncover Lizards and Snakes
An exploration of squamates, or scaled reptiles. Take notes about lizards and snakes using the pdf "Squamate Chart" while viewing a slideshow, investigate the squamate anatomy and how squamates differ from other animals, such as insects...
Other
Alameda County Mosquito Abatement: Life Cycle
A discussion on the general characteristics of the mosquito, its feeding habits, flight habits and life cyle.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Life Science: Crustaceans
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Crustaceans are a large group of arthropods, consisting of almost 52,000 species. The majority of crustaceans are aquatic. A few groups have adapted to living on...