They are gross to some, beautiful to others. Nonetheless, they have a purpose. This lesson plan is dedicated to insects and their way of living. Come investigate!
Note: Parents feel free to print this page for home use. Use the Insects Glossary of Terms of accompany this lesson.
What Makes an Insect
An insect in a small arthropod that has three main parts to its body. The head, thorax, and abdomen. Other common features of insects include six legs and usually wings, although some species will not have wings. Insects also share the common feature of having antennae, little feelers, at the top of their heads to help them navigate the world around them. They also have an exoskeleton, which is an outer skeleton. Humans have inner skeletons (our bones).
Where Do Insects Live
Considering that of all living creatures and humans on earth, 95% is made up of insects, it is safe to say that they live everywhere in the world. And you know what that means when your house is infested with ants, you come across a beehive in your backyard, or the flies won't leave you alone while you are having a picnic! They can be quite pesky little critters.
What Do Insects Eat
Insects mostly eat plants for survival. But, because they are highly adaptive to their environment, they have learned to love popsicles, hot dog buns, and cake.
More About an Insect's Anatomy
As stated above, insects have three major parts to their anatomy. They are:
Head: Used mainly for eating. It also houses their antennae that help them sense their environment. Insects eat by chewing, sucking, and sponging their food.
Thorax: This part protects the insect's body. This is where six jointed legs are attached. The thorax also houses the wings of the insect. Legs of an insect can run, grasp, dig, and swim.
Abdomen: Houses the internal organs needed for digesting food and reproduction. It is located at the end of the insect's body.
An Insects Environment
Insects are cold-blooded, which means that they adapt to their environment by temperature. For instance, the rate at which an insect grows is dependent upon the temperature of their environment. Cooler temperatures will cause them to grow slower, while warmer temperatures speed up the growth process.
Complete or Incomplete Metamorphosis
Metamorphosis is the ability to change into a completely different species. Some insects follow a process that will totally change them from one form to another. The most popular example of this is the caterpillar becoming a butterfly. When this happens, it is called complete metamorphosis. Another example is the ladybug, that is born looking nothing like it does when it matures into the typical ladybug we see.
Incomplete metamorphosis happens when an insect is born to look like a smaller version of the adult, but has not developed its wings yet. The young may also be a slightly different color from the adult, but you can still tell what kind of insect it is by its body shape.
Field Trip Opportunity: Take a trip to an insect museum or entomology museum to learn more about insects and see live replicas.
Insect Recipe - Caterpillar in a Cocoon
- Use a bundt cake & filling recipe or box, but bake in cupcake tins (greased-do not use cupcake papers). When cool, dip or cover with a thin layer of frosting, and then roll in or sprinkle coconut on top.
- Soften (but don't melt!) caramel candies, coat with melted chocolate and/or roll in nuts/sprinkles/coconut. (University of Kentucky, January 20, 1999)
Use the worksheets below to learn neat facts about specific insects. To print, click on the page you want, right click, and choose Print from the list of options.
