Insects

The Insects unit provides experiences that heighten students' awareness of the diversity of animal forms. They come to know firsthand the life sequences of a number of insects. In each investigation an insect is introduced, and students observe structures and behaviors, discuss their findings, and ask questions. Students observe life cycles of insects and compare the stages of metamorphosis exhibited by each species.

The students are expected to:

• Develop a curiosity and interest in insects and a respect for them as living things.
• Experience some of the great diversity of forms in the animal kingdom.
• Become familiar with some of the life sequences that different types of insects exhibit (simple and complete metamorphosis).
• Observe the similarities and differences in the larvae, pupae, and adults of insects that go through complete metamorphosis.
• Observe the behaviors of insects at different stages of their life cycle.
• Provide for the needs of insects (air, water, food, and space).
• Acquire the vocabulary associated with insect life.

They observe: mealworms, waxworms, milkweed bugs, silkworms, butterflies
Others: crickets, ants

Mealworms
        Insects need air, food ,water, and space
        Have characteristic structures & behaviors
        Life cycle of the beetle; egg, larva, pupa, adult that produces eggs
Waxworms
        Have similar structures & behaviors
        Larvae produce silk
Milkweed bugs
        Hatch from eggs
        Have 3 body parts; head, thorax, abdomen
        Have different structures for eating different food
        Some go through simple metamorphosis; egg nymph adult
Silkworms
        Larvae have structures in common
        Adults have structures in common
        Male & females mate - female lays eggs
        Moths pupate in silk cocoons
Butterflies
        Larvae & adults have structures in common
        Life cycle of the butterfly- complete metamorphosis; egg, larva, pupa, adult
Other
        Can live underground, above ground, in water

Interactive Activities for the Insects unit

Parent Letter - English

Parent Letter - Spanish

Literacy / Book Lists

Teacher Recommended Resources

Recommended Websites

Unit Certificate
Acknowledge your student's accomplishment in completing this unit with our completion certificate. We hope they enjoyed learning about science through The Einstein Project's hands-on approach!

Sponsorship Opportunity

Sponsor the Insects unit! To learn about sponsoring a unit and all the other giving opportunities at The Einstein Project, please contact us at 920-884-8800 or einstein@einsteinproject.org.

What are people saying about the Insects Einstein science unit?

"Kids loved it!"
--Lisa Daugherty, Grade 1-2 teacher at King Elementary School, Green Bay, Wisconsin