INSECT COLLECTION
100 points
Overview:
The making of an insect collection can be a fun and enjoyable learning experience. This project
will allow students to get a hands-on look at the many different groups of insects that are
located in our area. Along with the identification of the different scientific names and common
names of insects, students will also learn valuable characteristics of insects that make them
different than other animal groups in today’s ecosystem.
Materials Needed:
Pins
Styrofoam
Jars
Insect Reference Materials
Insect Net (homemade saves money)
Tweezers
Freezer
Procedures:
1. Collect a variety of insects. This will ensure you have enough specimens for your insect
collection.
2. Upon collection of your insect, jot down information regarding the location of capture.
(Example: field, yard, tree leaf, basement, etc.)
3. Place insects in a jar or closed container and put them in the freezer until it’s time to
display them.
4. Use reference materials to identify insects. Find out the common name, scientific name,
and unique characteristic of the insect.
5. Pin your insect specimens to your board. Be creative with the display.
6. Information about your insect needs to be placed in an orderly fashion on your board
(see Figure 1)
7. Due Date: _____________________________
FIGURE 1
Grading Criteria:
Specimens (10 min.)
Common Names
Scientific Names (5 min.)
Insect Characteristic
Insect Habitat
Creativity and Neatness
Total Points
20 pts.
20 pts.
10 pts.
20 pts.
20 pts.
10 pts.
100 pts
Common Name: Monarch Butterfly
Scientific Name: Danaus plexippus
Characteristic: Wings with scales
Habitat: On vegetation
Insect Collection
Specimens (10 Min.)
Common Names
Scientific Name (5 Min.)
Characteristic
Habitat
Creativity/Neatness
20 pts. Possible
20 pts. Possible
10 pts. Possible
20 pts. Possible
20 pts. Possible
10 pts. Possible
Total Points
100 pts. Possible