What Is It?

Introduction

Bugs, Bugs, Bugs! Bugs are found all over the world (except Antarctica)! Rainforests are the most biodiverse ecosystems there are in our world. Can you imagine how many different kinds of bugs there are in the rainforest?

Task

You and your partner are Entomologists in the Amazon Rainforest. You have both just discovered a new species of insect. You will investigate and share your new mystery bug with the class.

Process

Step 1

You and your partner will investigate these websites:

http://philip.greenspun.com/cr/moon/insects

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/insects/Ladybug.shtml

http://www.heatersworld.com/bugworld/

http://www.bugfacts.net/insects.php

http://www.insects.org/

to help you both decide the following about your mystery bug:

My Mystery Bug

Physical Characteristics

Habitat

Diet

Life Cycle

Helpful or Harmful to Humans

Step 2

You and your partner will determine your mystery bug's name, physical characteristics, habitat, diet, life cycle, and whether your insect is helpful or harmful to people.

Step 3

You and your partner will create a short multi-media slideshow of your mystery bug using Powerpoint. You will both design at least three slides about your mystery bug. Your slides should explain:

* Name of your insect

* Three Physical Characteristics

* Habitat

* Diet

* Life Cycle

* Helpful or Harmful to Humans

Step 4

Next you and your partner will rehearse your slideshow presentation and prepare to present it to the class.

Evaluation

Teacher Rubric

4

3

2

1

Cooperation

Cooperated extremely well with partner

Cooperated well with partner

Cooperated ok with partner

Did not cooperate with partner

Bug Slides

Covered all six areas

Covered most (4-5) areas

Covered three areas

Did not make slides

Presentation

	Had at least three slides
	Explained well with enthusiasm

	Had 2 slides
	Explained with short responses

	Had 1 slide
	Needed to be reminded to explain slides

	Did not make slides
	Did not explain any slides

Conclusion

What a fascinating new species of insect! I'm relieved that they are only found in the Amazon rainforest! You and your partner have proven that you are top-notch Entomologists with all that you now know about insects. Your mystery bug would give you both "two antennas up"!