Documentation:Invent-A-Bug Worksheet
Lesson Plan: Invent-a-Bug!
Learning Objectives
By the end of the activity, students will be able to:
- Identify the three main body sections of insects (head, thorax, abdomen).
- Appreciate insect biodiversity by creating their own insect adaptations.
- Explain how form relates to function in living organisms.
Materials
- Worksheets with bug templates (head/thorax/abdomen)
- Colored pencils/markers/crayons
- Real or photo examples of insects (posters, preserved specimens, or slides)
Activity Flow
1. Introduction
- Ask: “What makes an insect an insect?”
- Review key traits:
- 3 body sections: head, thorax, abdomen
- 6 legs (attached to thorax)
- Often: wings, antennae, exoskeleton, compound eyes
- Show examples of different insects, highlighting adaptations (e.g., dragonfly eyes, beetle armor, mosquito mouthparts).
2. Invent-a-Bug Design Challenge
Instructions:
- Students must create a new insect species with:
- Head, thorax, abdomen
- 6 legs (on thorax)
- Antennae
- At least one adaptation that helps it survive in a specific environment
- Encourage creativity:
- Mouthparts (sucking, chewing, piercing, sponging)
- Wing types (none, one pair, two pairs, patterned, transparent, etc.)
- Legs (digging, jumping, swimming, grasping)
- Defensive features (camouflage, stingers, bright warning colors)
- Students name their insect and decide:
- What it eats
- Where it lives (soil, water, forest, desert, etc.)
- How it avoids predators
3. Sharing & Discussion
- Students present their bug to the class or in small groups.
- Prompts:
- “What adaptations does your insect have, and why?”
- “Where in the environment would we find it?”
- “How does it compare to real insects you know?”
4. Wrap-up & Reflection
- Revisit learning objectives: insects = 3 body parts + 6 legs.
- Highlight the incredible diversity of real insects (over 1 million described species).
- Ask: “Why do you think insects are so successful at surviving in different environments?”
- File:Invent A Bug outreach activity.pdf