Arizona STEM

Acceleration Project

Bag a Bug: Insect Science and Math Lesson

Bag a Bug: Insect Science and Math Lesson

​

​

A K-2 grade STEM Lesson

Lyndsay Ludden

04/29/24

Notes for Teachers

​

• Part of the lesson takes place in an outside space or garden.
• It should be done after an introduction to insects and their attributes.
• Group students according to how many materials you have.
• You’ll need the materials ready before starting the lesson.
• Please be mindful of any insect allergies or sensitivities.
• Students could wear long sleeves and gloves while doing this experiment.

​

List of Materials:

• 6-8 nets depending on group size
• 6-8 plastic gallon ziploc bags
• Classification and Math worksheet

​

Arizona Science Standards

Science Standards:

1.L4U1.10 Develop a model to describe how animals and plants are classified into groups and subgroups according to their similarities.

​

​

Science and Engineering Practices

​

• ask questions and define problems
• develop and use models
• plan and carry out investigations
• analyze and interpret data
• use mathematical and computational thinking
• construct explanations and design solutions
• engage in argument from evidence
• obtain, evaluate and communicate information

Arizona Math Standards

K.MD.B Classify objects and count the number of objects in each category. K.MD.B.3 Classify objects into given categories; count the number in each category and sort the categories by count. (Note: limit category counts to be less than or equal to 10.)

​

Students will explore geometry by understanding symmetry in objects.

Objectives:

Students will explore insect and bug attributes by collecting specimens, observing their body parts, and classifying them. Students will also count the number of bugs collected and observe/describe any symmetry they have.

Agenda (45 minutes)

​

Essential Question: What is the difference between an insect and other types of bugs?

What is an insect? Let’s Review

​

Youtube SciShow Kids 3 min. 45 sec.

​

Here are bugs that are not insects.

Why are these bugs not considered insects?

​

What attributes do they have that make you think that?

​

Can you think of another bug that is NOT an insect?

Hands-On Activity Instructions

Group students in groups of 3-4

​

Designate an area around your campus to collect bugs

​

Pass out materials (plastic bags and bug catchers)

​

Work as a team to collect as many bugs as you can in 10-15 minutes

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

• ​

After bagging your bugs sort them into groups using the worksheet below

Insect T Chart

​

Once they are sorted use this math worksheet to count your bugs and complete the symmetrical drawing of a butterfly!

​

Butterfly Symmetry

​

Here is the same worksheet for students who need a little extra help with numbers.

​

Butterfly Symmetry with Numbers

Assessment

SCIENCE:

• Did you classify what is and what is not an insect correctly on your page?

​

MATH:

• Did you accurately count the number of insects collected?
• Were you able to describe and draw a symmetrical insect?

​

​

​

Please turn in worksheets once completed.

Differentiation

One way to differentiate is to have students who do not know how to write their numbers use the modified math sheet.

You also might want to consider using heterogeneous grouping so different skill levels can be mixed together.

​

​

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Students who are successful right away can regroup their bugs by other attributes such as size, color, life cycle stage, etc.