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Bug Study

Elementary

Description

The fascinating world of bugs comes to life in this outdoor activity in which students investigate the miniature creatures that inhabit a naturalized area of the school yard.  Using only a few simple materials and their senses students describe how organisms move, classify plants and animals and investigate how tiny animals meet their survival needs.  The hands-on learning experience will  strengthen scientific inquiry skills and help foster an appreciation for these often loathed yet essential members of our natural world.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This resource supports literacy and numeracy outcomes as students use vocabulary to describe their experience and present their findings using data tables and simple graphs.  Students are also able to develop science observation skills while using an inquiry process to investigate a local ecosystem.  This outdoor experience could be expanded by exploring other types of local habitat to compare and contrast insect species.

A class could also use their investigation to promote the vital importance of these organisms to humans.  Using technology like action cameras students could create a video of their observations.  The video could be shared with peers through the school website with an accompanying blog that lists all of the important roles insects play in food production, medicine development and recycling.

Relevant Curriculum Units

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        • Science 3: Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems
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        • Statistics and Probability
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    • Grade 3
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        • Exploring Soils
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    • Kindergarten
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      • Math
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Repeating elements in patterns can be identified
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science: Plants and animals have observable features
    • Grade 1
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Math
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Repeating elements in patterns can be identified
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 1: Living things have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment
    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 2: Living things have life cycles adapted to their environment
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 3: Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (2)

  • Appreciating the Natural World
  • Biodiversity

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