Amazing Insects!
Introduction to Insects
Lesson 1 – Insect Classification and Taxonomy
Lesson 2 – Insect Life Cycles
Lesson 3 – Insects: Knowing Their Roles
Lesson 4 – Insects: What’s in Their Mouths
Lesson 5 – Insect Adaptations
Lesson 6 - Insect Habitats
Future Lesson – Insect Inspired Technology
Amazing Insects!
University of Maryland 4-H
Environmental Science Action Team’s
Signature Program in Development
Steps:
Development Phase
Pilot the Program
Revision and Feedback
Curriculum Completion and Promotion
Intro to Insects: Why Study Bugs?
 Insects represent the majority of species
on the planet Earth.
 Everyone is familiar with and comes in
contact with insects in their lives.
 Insects have a profound effect on
human life and human history.
 Insects elicit an emotional response
 Insects are a great tool to teach many
ecological and scientific concepts.
 They are FUN!
Overall Goals of Amazing Insects
 Develop an appreciation
 Understand benefits and economic
impacts
 Utilize insects to develop an interest
in science
 Identify human/insect connections
 Future: Career Connections
Amazing Insects!
 Target audience - 3rd to 5th grades but easily
adaptable
 Delivery methods – afterschool, in-school, 4-H
clubs, workshop series, community events,
library programs, overnight and day camps, etc.
 Time required – approximately 1 hour per lesson
with additional extension activities
 Lessons aligned with the Next Generation and
Maryland Science Standards.
Lesson 1 - Taxonomy
Lesson 1 – Taxonomy (cont.)
Lesson 1 – Taxonomy (cont.)
Lesson 5 – Insect Adaptations
Lesson 5 –
Insect
Adaptations
Amazing Insects!
THANK YOU!
Presented by:
Elizabeth M. S. Hill
Faculty Ext. Asst., 4-H Youth Development, Kent County, MD
emshill@umd.edu
&
Thomas Hutson
4-H Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Talbot County, MD
thutson@umd.edu
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