Curated OER
Mock Fly-Tying
Students make their own fly-fishing flies. In this aquatic macroinvertebrates lesson, students look at images of different species of aquatic macroinvertebrates. Students compare the similarities and differences among the species. ...
Forest Foundation
The Web of Life
Producers, herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, decomposers. To begin a study of the forest ecosystem, learners examine the connections among the members of ecological communities.
Curated OER
Exploration of "Pillbugs"
Fifth graders define vocabulary terms, identify the characteristics of a pillbug, and create a dichotomous key. Then they examine the pillbugs and make observations and record these observations. Finally, 5th graders observe specific...
Curated OER
Caterpillars To Butterflies
Students observe the life cycle of a butterfly. They read butterfly/caterpillar themed books. They sequence the lifecycle from eggs on a leaf to an adult butterfly. They release their butterflies into a natural habitat after singing and...
Curated OER
Too Bee Or Not To Bee
Students recognize that bees are important in the reproduction of plants and to the survival of animals. In this bee lesson, students become familiar with the parts of bees and how those adaptations help them pollinate plants. Students...
Curated OER
Caterpillars To Butterflies
Students gain an appreciation of nature by teaching them about the life cycle of the butterfly. They set up a terrarium so they can observe the changes a caterpillar goes through.
Enchanted Learning
Enchanted Learning: Insect Crafts
An extensive list of elementary insect crafts. Each activity contains a list of everyday materials, and detailed instructions.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Backyard Bugs
This video segment from Wild TV takes a closer look at backyard bugs, their habitat and characteristics. [2:48]
Other
Alphabet soup.com: Insects and Spiders
An extensive list of activities, songs, poems, and fingerplays are listed by alphabet-soup.com. Additional recipes, art projects, and literature connections are also included.
Other
Little Giraffes: Insects
Insect activities for early elementary students are pictured and described on this resource.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Arts Edge: Tuneful Bugs and Birds
Arts Edge at the Kennedy Center provides this lesson plan for teachers of ESOL students that integrates music into language arts. Students create their own poetry while listening to music about bugs and birds.
University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky: Insects All Year
The University of Kentucky provides information and activities about insects for each month of the year. Projects include art and observational activities.
Other
Staten Island Children's Museum: Bugs and Other Arthropods [Pdf]
Here are some fun family projects to do at home involving bugs.
Books in the Classroom
Carol Hurst's Children's Literature Site: Eric Carle
What do you know about Eric Carle, the author? This Carol Hurst site highlights some interesting facts about this author's life and refers to some of his books.