Sunshine State Standards: 

 SC.G.2.2.2 

Knows that the size of a population is dependent upon the available resources within its community.

 SC.G.2.2.3 

Understands that changes in the habitat of an organism may be beneficial or harmful.

SC.H.1.2.4 

Knows that to compare and contrast observations and results is an essential skill in science.

SC.H.1.2.5 

Knows that a model of something is different from the real thing, but can be used to learn something about the real thing.

LA.A.2.2.7 

Recognizes the use of comparison and contrast in a text.

LA.A.2.2.8 

Selects and uses a variety of appropriate reference materials, including multiple representations of information, such as maps, charts, and photos, to gather information for research projects.

Instructional Goal: 

Students will be able to compare and contrast the different insects.

Students will be able to chat, illustrate, and collaborate with other students about their insects.

Introductory Activity:

          Insects are found in all locations of the world in every part of the land, which includes rainforest, desert, mountains, plains, and even in the freshwaters. They are found from the Arctic and Antarctic to the equator.  They are found on every continent and on every island.  When a volcanic island appears, insects are one of the first inhabitants.  They are inside of homes and on the outside of homes.  They are found in rural areas, suburbs, large cities, and small towns.  Where will you find the insects lurking?  Are the insects lurking on and under the ground, floors, walls, trees, bushes, flowers, tables, chairs?  Investigate and collaborate your findings with Mrs. Bush’s Third Grade Class.

Activities:

1.  Select an area of one square ft around your backyard or schoolyard. 

2.  Collect an insect and place it in a small jar.  (Make sure that you have placed a small hole in the lid)

3.  Draw a map of the area where you located the insect.

4.  Investigate, name, and identify the insect.  Identify the parts of the insect.

5.  Describe the insect. (Name, size, color, unique characteristic)

6.  Take a photo of the insect.  Place the insect back in its habitat.

7.  Email the photo and the information about the insect to:  Mrs. Bush at: bushtwo@cox.net or Sh23th@aol.com

8.  Using the Internet send j-pegs of the bugs/insects lurking in your backyard.  These will be posted at:  http://members.cox.net/bushtwo/index.htm

Then you can compare your findings with Mrs. Bush’s Class. 

Culminating Activity:

Send the photo (j-peg), a description of the insect:  name, size, color, and a unique characteristic about the insect,  and the location (city, town, suburb, and state) to Mrs. Bush to place on the class website:  Bush's Bulldogs

Copyright 2003