Life Cycles, Growth and Development |
Lab | Google Slide | Materials | |
1. Life Cycles of Organisms | Investigating different types of metamorphosis by grouping organisms | G_slide | Set of different groups of insects, Entomologist Sets, Life Cycle of Mosquito, Bug worksheet (insect book.pdf) |
2. Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera) | Contrasting and comparing Butterflies and Moths | G_slide | Plastic models of moth and butterflies, Silkworm cocoons, Chrysalis of monarch, Monarch Life Cycle Wheel, Scissors, Crayons, brads |
3. Beetles (Coeloptera) and True Bugs (Heteroptera) | Comparing Beetle and True Bug characteristics and investigate ladybugs | G_slide | Life cycle models of ladybeetles and stag beetles, Plastic models of, worksheet beetle match |
4. Ants (Hymertoptera) | Exploring the importance of ants in the ecosystem | G_slides | Microscope, White spoon |
5. Bees (Hymertoptera) and Flies (Diptera) Co- evolution Mimicry | Examining co-evolution between bees and flowers; comparing and contrasting bees and hoverflies (mimicry) | G_slides | Boxes that can be dark, Ultraviolet flashlights, Variety of flowers—(check to make sure some of them look different in UV light), Bee lifecycle models, Worksheet comparing bees and hoverflies |
6. Engineering Hives | Design insect chambers with hexbugs. | G_slides | Pattern blocks, Small wasp hive, Hex bug sets, Hex bug nanos |
Third Graders learn about insects and other creepy crawlies pn the school property and how they vary in frequency with the seasons and plant type. This project builds on prior knowledge of seasons and the interaction of plants and insects from prior years. The students work in teams and make insect collections from ten areas of the garden. Supporting lessons cover insect types, metamorphosis and how to identify insects. Students learn to collect insects, identify them and make counts of each type. They graph their results and make scientific observations in their project journals.
Students can comprehend more scientific information. Try to make sure that they learn the process of getting to the answer and not just memorizing. They should be able to describe what they see easily. Comparing different objects is also easier.