2.26 Insect Observatory
This is Lesson 26 (“Insect Observatory”) from the Grow Your PALS Program Guide, part of the National FFA Mentoring Program’s Animal Science unit. In this large-group lesson, students build an insect observatory from household items, go outside to collect plant material and insects, and then describe, sketch, and label the major body parts of insects (head, thorax, abdomen).
At a glance
- Learning objectives
-
- Build an insect observatory.
- Catch insects and create a natural environment.
- Describe and identify the major body parts of insects.
- Time required
- Instruction time for this lesson: 45 minutes.
- Materials
-
- Small container with lid for each student
- Scissors
- Window screen or plastic flexible mesh
- Masking tape
- Decorating supplies: stickers, markers, paint etc.
- PALS.26.Assess.A – 1 per student
- Unit
- Animal Science
- Lesson Type
- Large Group
- Precepts
- A. Action — A4. Identify and use resources
- Key Terms
- observatory, head, thorax, abdomen
- Resources
- University of Illinois Extension: http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/insects/13.html (also available in Spanish)
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
National Standards
- NS.K-4.3Life Science