Science Fun for the Last Week of School!

Here is a wonderful idea in life science for all teachers to use this time of year!  Observe nature's little creatures- The Great Bug Hunt!

Materials:  One foot of yarn per child; science kit with forceps, magnifying box, handheld magnifying glass, ruler, and small container; and, an outdoor, grassy area (maybe in the shade of a tree).  You will also need a notebook and pencils to sketch findings, keep tally of findings, and take notes as needed.

This activity will develop observation skills while building an introductory comfort level with scientific inquiry tools.  The activity can be adapted to fulfill many standards and benchmarks in inquiry skills.  Also, teachers can expand this activity to fit into the scientific process by collecting data, interpreting the data, and graphing results.

What to do:

For everyone's safety and fun, it is important to verify that your students do not have allergies to grass or certain insects.  Then, make rules for the behavior you expect for the group activity.  I have students inquire individually and share findings periodically with quiet conversation.  I also set up a perimeter for student use, and keep basic expectations- like no running, screaming, or hurting insects.  I also make sure that the area is returned to its original condition, and have students return insects and worms to their location.

Have students spread out over an outdoor area.  I prefer finding a nice shady and quiet spot with plenty of grass and moist soil.  As the teacher, you only need to give students guidelines and watch.  Sit back and let them direct the inquiry.  Natural curiosity will bring many children to you with questions and findings that will astonish you.

Students should use the yarn to mark a circle on the grass.  Then, using the magnifying tools and forceps, students should search for living insects and worms.  When a discovery is made, students can sketch the finding, measure it, and keep a tally of the insect or invertebrate.  Students will develop organizational charts and imaginative ways to categorize the findings on their own.  

The best part is that exploring nature leads to a quiet peace and wonder in each child.  The class will explore quite peacefully and find even the smallest insect special.  Time will pass by so quickly, but each moment will lead to a genuine teaching experience.

AGAIN... it is very important to use teacher common sense, because some small creepy crawlies are not child friendly (poisonous spiders etc).  Keep vigilant and make sure all the children are safe.  Make sure students use forceps and wash their hands after exploring.

The last part of this fun lesson is the most important.  YOU must teach!  Regroup in class and apply the findings in an appropriate activity.  Lead the students into exploring and learning about invertebrate classification.  Have students create bar graphs that interpret the data collected by classification of the findings.  Apply all the exploration into actual critical thinking about the benefits of insects.  This single activity can lead into a world of creative learning.  Through this lesson, my students brought me so much joy this week!  I only hope that you also apply a fun activity to your end of the year plans.

Family Blessings,

Abi