Bugs offer primary school teachers a fun, educational, and budget-friendly range of activities.
Insect collecting not only ignites curiosity in young students, but also fosters a connection with the natural world. Encouraging children to explore the miniature ecosystems around them, this timeless hobby offers a hands-on experience that transcends the confines of classroom walls.
At its core, insect collecting serves as a gateway to scientific inquiry, teaching young minds about biodiversity, ecology, and the balance of nature. Armed with magnifying glasses and field guides, students embark on outdoor expeditions, eagerly scouring grassy meadows, wooded trails, and urban parks in search of their six-legged subjects. Through observation and discovery, they learn to identify different insect species, understanding their habitats, behaviours, and roles within the ecosystem.
The (Many!) Benefits of Insect-Based Classroom Activities
Beyond academic enrichment, insect collecting nurtures a sense of wonder and appreciation for the intricate beauty of the natural world. As children marvel at the iridescent wings of a butterfly or the delicate antennae of a beetle, they develop a deep respect for the diversity and complexity of life on Earth. Moreover, the act of collecting and preserving insects instills values of patience, perseverance, and attention to detail—qualities that extend far beyond the boundaries of science.
Insect collecting also cultivates important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. As students collaborate to plan expeditions, identify specimens, and curate their collections, they engage in meaningful discussions and collaborative learning experiences. Moreover, the process of carefully pinning and labeling insects hones fine motor skills and attention to detail, instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment in young collectors.
Insect Activities for Primary School Classrooms
Here are a range of easy and affordable ideas of educators keen to integrate insect studies into their primary school classroom:
- Bug Hunt: Take students on a bug hunt in the schoolyard or nearby park. Provide them with magnifying glasses, bug catchers, and observation jars to safely catch and examine insects. Encourage students to record their findings in a field journal.
- Insect Identification: Teach students how to identify common insects using field guides or online resources. Create a scavenger hunt where students search for specific insects based on descriptions or images.
- Butterfly Gardening: Plant a butterfly garden in the schoolyard or in pots around the classroom. Students can observe the lifecycle of butterflies, from caterpillars to chrysalises to adult butterflies, and learn about the importance of pollination.
- Insect Collection: Guide students in building their own insect collections using pinned specimens. Provide materials such as insect pins, display boxes, and labeling supplies. Teach them proper collecting techniques and ethical considerations, such as not harming endangered species.
- Insect Art: Incorporate insect-themed art projects into the curriculum. Students can create insect-inspired drawings, paintings, or sculptures using various art materials. Encourage creativity and imagination while learning about insect anatomy and diversity.
- Insect Habitat Creation: Work together as a class to create insect-friendly habitats in the schoolyard or classroom. Build bug hotels, plant native flowers and shrubs, and provide water sources for insects. Observe how different insects are attracted to these habitats over time.
Affordable Resources for Educators
At Australian Entomological Supplies, we offer a range of affordable resources for educators, including magnifiers, and bug viewers, field guides. These include:
Megalens Magnifier ($11AUD*): Megalens is a magnifying lens containing a second high-powered magnifier. The handle opens to make a stand, permitting its use on a work top with hands free. Extractable tweezers are inserted in the sleeve, making it possible to easily handle objects of small dimension. It’s perfect for teaching and classroom use with children as young as 6 years old.
Measuring Magnifier Viewer ($9.80AUD*): Clear round plastic jar with magnifying lid with air holes gives a close up view of insects. Students can safely and easily study life bugs with two different magnifying sizes.
Insects of Australia: Reed’s Concise Guide ($15.50AUD*): This is the ultimate keep-in-your-pocket guide to Australian bugs. It may be diminutive in size, but it punches well above its weight in terms of usefulness. It’s packed with more than 200 images, covering many of the species students are likely to encounter in their bug hunting adventures.
*prices correct at time of publication