Introduction
Have you ever thought of becoming an entomologist when you grow up? An entomologist is a scientist who studies insects. As young entomologists we'll take a closer look at the smaller world among us. Insects are all around us, and we have much to gain from getting to know then a little better. Hold onto your seats because we're in for quite an adventure.
Task
As young entomologists you will visit each of the websites below and find the answers to the questions. After completing your research, pick your favorite "Bug" and create a visual representation using at 2 of the websites as references.
Butterflies: Explore the following page for hints to the questions below: http://www.butterflyschool.org/new/meta.html
- Butterflies go through changes in their lifetime, what are those stages?
- What is the purpose for a butterfly to molt?
Beetles: Explore the following page for hints to the questions below: http://www.insectidentification.org/beetles.asp
- If squeezed, this beetle will release a toxin that is a skin irritant to humans. What is it called?
- Why would a beetle release any sort of chemical after being squeezed?
Bees: Explore this following page for hints to the questions below: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/bugs/honeybee/
- Where do bees go in the winter?
- What happens when the queen bee dies?
Ants: Explore this following page for hints to the questions below: http://insected.arizona.edu/antinfo.htm
- What role do ants play in our ecosystem?
- How are ants and bees similar?
Entophiles: Explore this following page for hints to the questions below http://www.insects.org/entophiles/blattaria
- The German species produces how many offspring in its lifetime?
- How are the German and American similar in appearance?
Process
You will we going through this adventure on your own for now, once your group has completed the questions you may participate in a grand conversation to discuss your findings. Should you get stuck in your process, you may phone one friend for one question. After, you may create a visual representation of what was most significant and caught your attention.
Evaluation
We will participate in a classroom grand conversation to discuss the findings of each group. Be ready to present a topic that you and your group were in agreement with.
Conclusion
Your exit ticket will be to answer the following questions:
1. Which of the bugs that you researched were most interesting? Why?
2. Which insect did you dislike the most? why?