Science, Life Science

Grade 1- 3

Objective

In these lessons students will use resource materials to find required information; differentiate between insects and non-insects; identify insect homes; and practice creating an image with bilateral symmetry.

Directions

Which One is an Insect?

• Review the attributes of insects (six legs, wings usually, and three body parts) before allowing students to do the activity. Have reference books, encyclopedias, or computers available for students to research creatures of which they are unsure.

• Take a nature walk and look for insect homes around the school or neighborhood.

• Follow this with an art activity where you give each student a piece of paper with half of a butterfly shape printed in the middle. Have them fold it in half and cut. When they open it, both sides should be exactly the same shape. You may then assist children in putting drops of paint on one side. When the butterfly is folded over, pressed together, and opened up, both sides will be the same pattern, showing bilateral symmetry.

• Provide many magazines and reference books for children to use to find insect names.

Resources

• library, computers, or other resource materials
• old magazines
• glue
• scissors
• copies of the four activity sheets (see the link below for these sheets)