Science Lessons That Won’t ‘Bug’ You!

Are you on the hunt for new, engaging lessons to help you teach your students about the characteristics of living things? As teachers, we know it’s important to engage your students in everything they do, and we also know that it’s hard to find appropriate resources for younger students. No worries, though! We’ve got you covered with a brand new science lab activity that is sure to make your students go ‘buggy’ for learning!

Investigate the Parts of an Insect

Insects, bugs, creepy-crawlies, minibeasts…whatever you call them, your students will go wild when you let them know they’re becoming insect investigators with this fun Science lab activity.

Using our printable science lab worksheets, your students will investigate the external features of insects by examining real insects outside or by using the pictures of insects/non-insects included. Students will use the graphic organizers to record their observations and findings about different insects and their features. 

Setting Up Your Parts of an Insect Investigation Activity

• Outside Version – 
  • Hand out magnifying glasses and graphic organizers to your students. Explain what they will be doing and reiterate that they are just observing, not touching any wildlife they may find outside.
  • Take them out and encourage them to look for any living organism in the grass, on the ground, etc. and use their magnifying glasses to observe and note its features. 
  • They will observe and note the features of three different organisms.
• Indoor Version
  • Put students into pairs and give them magnifying glasses and the graphic organizer.
  • Have each pair randomly select three cards from the insect/not an insect picture card set.
  • Students will take their photographs back to their seats to complete their observations.

Once their observations are complete, have students share their findings with the class and use them to create a t-chart of insects/non-insects and discuss why.

Download Your Parts of an Insect Activity Today!

This resource is available as an easy-to-use Google Slides or Printable PDF Resource file. To get your copy, click the dropdown arrow on the download button to select your preferred file format.

This resource was created by Brittany Collins, a teacher in Indiana and Teach Starter collaborator.

Even More Insect Worksheets and Activities To Go Buggy For!

Don’t go yet! Make sure you buzz over and check out these fun insect activities, too!

teaching resource

Digraph Bug Swatting Game

A small group bug swatting game to consolidate the concept of digraph graphemes at the beginning of a word.

teaching resource

Facts About Insects Poster

Display this poster showcasing interesting insect facts and characteristics in your classroom.