Insects
Recommended for Grades 5-7+
Insects are the most abundant animals on earth. There are more different kinds of insects than all other animals put together and there are more individual ants than any other insect. This is a 1-2 week trunk that uses insect collections, videos and dissection to study insects.
Sub-unit 1 involves the classification of insects using insect displays and an identification key.
Sub-unit 2 teaches about the honeybee and the ant. The life cycle of the honeybee is taught through the use of a video and a honeybee display box. Study of ant anatomy is done by use of worksheets and real ant specimens viewed with hand lenses and microscopes included with the trunk.
Sub-unit 3 continues to use the insect displays to teach about insect movement, feeding methods, and mimicry.
Sub-unit 4 discusses insect instinct and strength, development and insight into the issue of insects as “pests” or “friends.”
Sub-unit 5 involves the dissection of a “lubber” grasshopper using the supplied equipment and specimens.
