Insects: an entomology unit for kids

Description

Why Choose Wild Earth Lab?

Drawing on my environmental science background, I create accurate, engaging resources that make teaching easier. Original, thoughtfully designed visuals and hands-on activities help bring the real experience of being a scientist into your classroom.

Age Range

Designed with flexibility in mind, these materials can be adapted for learners from kindergarten through late elementary school, making them suitable for mixed-age groups.

What’s Included?

(67 PDF pages total)

•  PART 1: INTRODUCING INSECTS: Learn about insects’ key traits. Then, learn to tell the difference between insects and similar animals like spiders and crabs with these materials:
  • • Introductory handout with insect fun facts and key traits
    • Vocab list and vocab matching worksheet
    • True/False worksheet
    • Is it an insect? sorting activity
    • Insect Superheroes reading and writing prompt
•  PART 2: PARTS OF AN INSECT: Examine the parts of an insect, with a special emphasis on the three main body segments: head, thorax, and abdomen. Materials include:
  • • Dragonfly, bee, and ant anatomy diagrams
    • Blank diagrams for labeling practice and word banks
    • Head-thorax-abdomen coloring activity
    • Color your own insect anatomy diagram
    • Insect Mashups (head-thorax-abdomen) drawing activity
    • Build your own bee and dragonfly models
• PART 3: METAMORPHOSIS AND LIFE CYCLES: Discover the life cycles of insects and learn the difference between complete and incomplete metamorphosis. Materials included:
  • • Metamorphosis introductory handout
    • Grasshopper, ladybug, and butterfly life cycle diagrams
    • Blank diagrams for practice with cut-out picture and word tiles
    • Make your own mini monarch life cycle booklet
• PART 4: INSECT POLLINATION: Uncover the important role played by insect pollinators and learn how pollination works with these materials:
  • • Pollination handout and vocab list
    • Vocab matching activity
    • Color your own pollination poster
    • Put the steps of pollination in order worksheet
    • Common insect pollinators informational handout
• PART 5: ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES AND GAMES: Additional activities for review and insect fun are included! If needed, these activities are great for students finishing early and independent work. Activities included:
  • • Insect scavenger hunt
    • Fold your own origami butterfly
    • Coloring page
    • Ant maze
    • Word search
• Part 6: THREE-PART NOMENCLATURE CARDS:
  • • In an additional PDF file.
    • These have many uses. For example, they are great for learning the names of common insects, classroom decor, and more!
• Instructor materials: directions and answer key
• Access to additional online materials: background information and more ways to expand on this topic.

Good to Know

• Single-classroom use: Materials are for personal and single-classroom use only and may not be shared or distributed. Contact me about multiple licenses for schools or organizations.
• Digital product: This is an instant PDF download, designed for printing on standard 8.5 × 11-inch paper. Due to the nature of digital products, purchases are non-refundable.
• Adult supervision: Activities should be completed with appropriate adult supervision.
• Terms & Conditions: See the full terms & conditions.