TOPIC I: Welcome to Bug Camp!
Topic I Overview: Whether your Bug Camp is a summer long experience, an after school
program, or a little time inserted into your regular curriculum schedule, this session is designed
to let your preschool and school age children know that Bug Camp is going to be a special time,
filled with exciting activities and fun exploring the wonders of the insect world.
FEATURED ACTIVITIES
The Web of Life – Every living thing on earth is connected and we all depend on each other
for survival. In this activity, campers build a model of the web of life and discuss the
important role that insects play in sustaining life on earth.
Insect Safari – Let’s get outside! In this activity campers start exploring the natural world in
the designated Study Area – this can be a yard, playground, flower garden, etc. Campers
will learn to safely collect and observe insects, and practice the “Dos and Don’ts of Bug
Camp”. Young campers join the fun searching for hidden plastic bugs in a Little Buddies Bug
Hunt.
Native American-style Rattles and Unity Dance – The first people to live in our area were
the Eastern Woodlands Indians. They respected nature and depended on Mother Earth for
survival and inspiration. Campers make and decorate Native American-style rattles, and
gather together for the Unity Dance, a beautiful symbol of our connection to each other and
to the world in which we live.
Print Resources
 Bug Camp Letter Home template
 Insect Group Nametags
 6 Insect Group Fact Sheets
 “The Dos and Don’ts of Bug Camp”
 Web of Life Animal Cards
 Teachers Reference Page – Web of Life
Selected
PRE-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Just for the little ones!
Each topic area includes activities to engage
toddlers and preschoolers in Bug Camp and
nature experiences, including:
Collect and sort “Nature Boxes”
Little Buddies Bug Hunt
Topic Area Highlights
Play the Insect Name Game
Join an Insect Group
Meet Important Scientists and Environmentalists
Create beautiful Native American-style Rattles
Dance the Native American Unity Dance
Start Exploring the Natural World Outdoors
Thumbprint Bees: A Counting Game
10 Bug Pick-up (with cups and tweezers)
Beautiful Ladybug Puppets
A variety of catchy songs, rhymes, and
finger puppets and fingerplays
Topic II: What’s a Bug? (Amazing Insect Anatomy)
Topic II Overview: The word “bug” isn’t a scientific word - the correct term is insect. But when
we talk about bugs we often include animals like spiders and centipedes, which aren’t true
insects. A true insect has three main body parts – the head, thorax, and abdomen, as well as an
exoskeleton, two antenna, and 6 legs. In Topic II we’ll explore insect anatomy and learn about
the form and function of insects’ amazing body parts. Preschool campers get moving to the
“Head, Thorax, Abdomen” song and make “true insect” creations from egg cartons.
FEATURED ACTIVITIES
Nature Journals - Nature Journals are an important tool for scientists, artists, writers, and
environmentalists alike. Campers will make and decorate their own “stick” nature journals,
and learn about Rachel Carson, the famous environmentalist, who was born near Pittsburgh,
PA and began her life’s work as a young girl, drawing pictures of the plants and animals she
found in her own backyard.
“Litter Bugs” –One important way we can all protect the environment is to Reduce, Reuse,
and Recycle. Campers collect clean recyclable materials and create dazzling true insect
“Litter Bugs”.
Insect Shadow Puppets – Each insect group learns about their insect’s unique anatomy, and
explores how its amazing body parts allow it to do amazing things. Using insect patterns,
campers create jointed insect puppets. Directions are also included for making a simple
shadow puppet theater and putting on a show!
Print Resources
 Nature Journal cover and daily activity pages
 “Help Us Reduce, Reuse, Recycle… and Create!” Letter
template
 Six Insect puppet patterns
 Teacher’s Reference Page – Insect Anatomy
Recommended
Children’s Books
(Pre-K)
The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
How Many Bugs In A Box? by David A. Carter
Hairy, Scary, Spider? by Paula McBride
Topic Area Highlights
“It’s a Bug!” song
“Head, Thorax, Abdomen” song and movements
Visit cool anatomy sites
Find the entomologists in your community
Reduce waste with a “No Waste Picnic”!
Play “Insect Charades”
Put on a shadow puppet play!
Why Should I Recycle? by Make Gordon
Are You a Ladybug? by Judy Allen
Bugs and Slugs by Judy Tatchell
Flower Garden by Eve Bunting
Caterpillar Spring, Butterfly Summer by
Susan Hood.
Topic III – What’s in a Name? (Taxonomy)
Topic III Overview – Have you ever thought about why we name things? Taxonomy is a way to
communicate with each other so that we are all referring to the same plant or animal, which
isn’t easy for entomologists - since there are more than one million different kinds of bugs on
earth! Way back in the 1750s a scientist named Carolus Linneaus came up with a way to name
things that could be used by scientists all over the world. The science of classifying and naming
things is called “Taxonomy”. Preschool campers create Nature Boxes and collect and classify a
variety of items found in nature.
FEATURED ACTIVITIES
Insect Classification – If you had to name one million bugs, where would you begin? When
Carolus Linneaus developed taxonomy, the scientific method of classifying all living things,
he started by putting similar things in groups or categories. In this activity, campers use
plastic insects and try to create their own system of classification - then compare their
systems to the scientific system that we use today.
Animal Pyramids – The Taxonomy Song teaches listeners the scientific name for the
honeybee – and it’s quite a mouthful! Campers build a life-size taxonomy pyramid, go on a
Taxonomy Scavenger Hunt, discover the scientific taxonomy of their favorite animal or
insect, and create a piece of artwork illustrating its kingdom, phylum, class, order, family,
genus, and species.
Use the Key! – Campers go on a bug hunt and learn to how scientists record their
discoveries in nature journals. Campers get tips on how to use field guides to “key” the
insects they find.
Print Resources
 Animal Taxonomy Pyramid Examples
 Taxonomy Scavenger Hunt Clue Cards
 “How to Key an Insect” instructions
 “Draw Like a Scientist!”
 Teacher’s Reference Page - Taxonomy
Topic Area Highlights
Learn the Taxonomy Song!
Meet Carolus Linneaus, creator the taxonomic
system of classification
Learn to draw life-like insects
Create a taxonomy collage
Sort and classify all sorts of things!
Selected
CREATIVE BUG-ART ACTIVITIES
Ignite campers’ imagination with insectrelated creative arts activities including:
Crazy Bug Hat Day
Beautiful insects made from leaves,
sticks, and stones
Delicate Flying Insect Mobiles
Build a Bug House for your insect friends
Make and play “junk” instruments
Topic IV: Where Do Bugs Come From? (Life Cycles)
Topic IV Overview - Nearly all insects pass through amazing changes in their body as they grow.
This process is called metamorphosis, or the insect’s life cycle. Campers examine their study
area for evidence of insect metamorphosis, and get a close-up look at insects’ life cycles by
observing mealworms as they change from the larval stage to adult Darkling Beetles. Preschool
campers create Life Cycle Pasta Pictures and make a butterfly puppet that actually emerges
from its cocoon.
FEATURED ACTIVITIES
Life Cycle Super Sleuths – Investigate the sometimes hidden world within in your study
area. Campers learn to recognize and identify insect galls on trees and plants; butterfly and
moth cocoons; and nests and hives - which are all evidence of insects’ unique life cycles.
Mealworms Farmers – OK, they’re not pretty, but mealworms are fascinating! Mealworms
are actually the larval stage of the Darkling Beetle. Inexpensive and easy to raise, these little
guys allow campers to closely observe the wonder of metamorphosis in a jar as their
mealworms progress through life cycle stages.
Life Cycle Flip Books – After raising and observing the mealworms’ life cycle, campers create
life cycle flip books and watch the insect metamorphous from egg, to larva, pupa, and adult
again and again!
Print Resources
 Mealworm Daily Observation forms
 Life Cycle Flipbook Pattern
 Super Sleuth Investigation Sheets
 Life Cycle Wheel pattern
 Teacher’s Reference Page – Life Cycles
 Butterfly Puppet pattern
Topic Area Highlights
Observe the miracle of metamorphosis
Print, color, and construct a Life Cycle Wheel
Make a Butterfly Pasta Life Cycle illustration
Watch amazing time-laps metamorphosis videos
Selected
LARGE GROUP GAMES
Everyone gets up and moving with
outdoor activities, games, and races,
including:
BUG, BUG, SLUG - a new version of
Duck, Duck, Goose
BUMBLE BEE SMASH – played with
rackets and a homemade bumblebee
shuttlecock
CATERPILLAR CRAWL – how fast can you
wiggle across the room?
CRAZY COCOONS – teams race to make
a cocoon out of toilet paper!
Topic V: Where Do Bugs Live? (Life History and Habitats)
Topic Overview: A habitat is an area or an environment where plants and animals live. Insects
each have a unique habitat that provides for all of its specialized needs. In this session campers
will learn about the components of a habitat, including food, water, and shelter. Preschool
campers take a Neighborhood Nature Walk and play a “Where Do You Live?” animal home
matching game.
FEATURED ACTIVITIES
Microhabitat Discovery – A microhabitat is a tiny world that supports living things. This
might be between a crack in a sidewalk, under a rock, or in a rain puddle. In this activity,
campers discover the amazing habitat world inside a single pinecone.
Macrohabitat Exploration – A macrohabitat is an environment that covers a large space,
like a meadow or a forest. Inside each marcohabitat are smaller areas where specific
animals live. Campers will learn to identify five habitat levels within their designated study
area. These levels might include leaf litter and ground vegetation, bushes, rotted logs, and
ponds and puddles. Campers will discover what insects live in each area and record their
findings in their nature journals.
Habitat Panoramas – Working in small groups campers create a beautiful nature panorama
of the habitat environments we find in Northeastern United States, including: ponds and
wetlands; woodlands; fields and meadows; streams and rivers; and urban areas and towns.
Then campers create colorful, three-dimensional insects and place them in the habitat
where they belong.
Print Resources
 Exploring Micro and Macrohabitats Nature
Journal Pages
 Build a Biosphere directions
 Biosphere Observation Sheets
 What’s in Your Habitat? Panorama Group
Checklist
 3-D Insect Patterns
 Popup Book Instructions
 Where Do You Live? animal home matching
game
 Teacher’s Reference Page – Life History and
Habitats
Topic Area Highlights
Build a biosphere in a jar!
Create a habitat diorama
Make amazing insect Popup Books
Recommended
CHILDREN’S BOOKS
(K-5)
Diary of a Fly by Doreen Cronin
Rachel: The Story of Rachel Carson by
Amy Ehrlich
Giving Thanks: A Native American Good
Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp
Insect Soup: Bug Poems by Barry Polisar
In the Small, Small Pond by Denise
Fleming
DK Big Readers: Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! by
Jennifer Dussling
The Salamander Room by Anne Mazer
Topic VI: Outdoor Science (Research and Experiments)
Topic Overview: Outdoor Science encourages campers to think like field scientists - conducting
experiments in natural settings, making predictions, recording data, and reporting findings
through photography, charts and posters, and/or PowerPoint presentations. Directions for a
variety of simple outdoor science experiments using inexpensive household items are provided,
including experiments for preschool campers, like “Floats, Bobs, Sinks.” Host a science fair and
share your campers’ scientific research with family and friends.
FEATURED ACTIVITIES
Outdoors Science Experiments, Including:
1. Insect Watering Hole – Discover what colors attract which insects and other pollinators
2. Sugar Shack – Do insects have a sweet tooth, and if so, how sweet?
3. Ants Go Marching – How do ants communicate? Track a colony of ants and find out
4. Floats, Bops, Sinks – Get a bucket of water and predict which items float, bob, or sink
5. How to Build an Ant Farm – Why buy an ant farm? Make your own instead!
6. Pollution Catchers – Here’s an easy experiment to measure what’s in the air we breath
Print Resources
 Outdoor Science Experiments step-by-step
instructions
 Outdoor Science Experiments Observation
Sheets
 “How to Build an Ant Farm” instructions
 Tips for Displaying Your Results
 Scientific Research Certificates
Topic Area Highlights
Conduct real scientific research
Put on a Science Fair for family and friends
Receive a Scientific Research Certificate
Learn to use media and photography to share your
findings
Selected
COOL WEBSITES
Topic areas include recommended websites
offering an astounding array of information and
resources, including:
The Bug Club (Amateur Entomologists’
Society) - http://www.amentsoc.org/bugclub/
NeoK12 (Incredible Insect Videos) http://www.neok12.com/Insects.htm
Great photos and research material http://www.insects.org/
Bug Guide – Online Field Guide http://bugguide.net/node/view/15740
How Stuff Works (Insect Classification) http://animals.howstuffworks.com/animalfacts/insect-info6.htm
Topic VII: Bugs on the Land (Terrestrial Insects)
Topic Overview: Insects are beneficial to humankind – we couldn’t live without them! All bugs
are “good” and have a special place in nature, but “bad” insects can also be very annoying, like
the ones that bite, destroy crops, and transmit diseases. In this Topic Area campers will learn the
difference between terrestrial (land) and aquatic (water) insects, and discover how and why we
need to protect them all (even the annoying ones!) Preschool campers make Butterfly Snacks
and Rockin’ Insect magnets. For an extra treat, invite a local beekeeper to BUG CAMP!
FEATURED ACTIVITIES
Backyard Funnel – Finding insects that live in the soil can take a little extra effort. Campers
construct a clever contraption designed to gently coax these shy creatures from their hiding
places.
Good Bug / Bad Bug Scavenger Hunt – Campers scour their study area in a relay race to see
who can find the most insects on the “Good Bug / Bad Bug” Tally Sheet
Bad Bug Blues – Campers listen to the Bad Bug Blues on the BUG CAMP Songs CD, then
write and perform their own verses, Kareoke style - and make and play a real musical
instrument made from a soda bottle called a
“poptar”!
Print Resources
 Good Bug / Bad Bug Tally Sheet
 5 Things Kids Can Do to Help Pollinators
 Bad Bug Blues lyric worksheets
 “Poptar” directions
 Japanese Seed Ball directions
 Beekeeper Thank-you Card template
 Teacher’s Reference Page – Beneficial Bugs and
Protecting Pollinators
Topic Area Highlights
Make Japanese Seed Balls – a fun new way to start a
wild flower pollinator garden
Be a bee in this exciting “Pollinator Relay Race”
Write a song – make an instrument!
Learn what beekeepers do
Make a Butterfly Snack and a Honey Treat
Create cute rock magnet insects
Recommended
Research and Science Books
For kids who want to take it a step further:
Backyard Science Experiments by Q. L.
Pearce
Simon & Schuster Children's Guide to
Insects and Spiders, by Jinny Johnson
Insects and Bugs (Curious Kids Guides)
by Amanda O’Neill
Last Minute Science Fair Projects by
Sudipta Bardhan-Qualle
65 Simple Science Experiments with
Everyday Materials by E. Richard
Churchhill
Topic VIII: Bugs in the Water (Aquatic Insects)
Topic Overview: Have you ever heard of a Diving Beetle or a Giant Water Bug? Some insects
spend their whole life in the water, while others start their lives in the water, only to become
crawling or flying insects in their adult stage of life. In this session campers explore the
fascinating world of aquatic insects and play some exciting races and water bug games. Watch
out - this could get wet!
FEATURED ACTIVITIES
Macroinvertibrate Discovery Lab - If you’ve ever visited a local stream, lake, or pond you’ve
probably have encountered aquatic marcoinverebrates, although you may not have known
it. Macro means big enough to see with the naked eye, and invertebrate means without a
backbone. Campers will examine a water sample from a local stream, and use picking and
sorting tools, identify and record the aquatic insects they find.
Wet and Wild Water Bug Games – Campers play a variety of water bug games, including
four games designed to demonstrate aquatic insects’ four feeding groups - scrapers,
collectors, shredders, and predators – what a great way to learn on a hot summer day!
Dragonfly Racers – Downy Emeralds, Yellow Winged Darters, Blue Chasers, and White-tailed
Skimmers – these dragonflies race down the zip-line in a blur of color! Campers learn about
some of the more than 5,000 species of dragonflies and create, color, and race their
beautiful dragonflies to the finish line.
Recommended
Print Resources
 Macroivertibrate Discovery Lab Guide
 Complete Water Bug Game directions
 4 different Dragonfly Racers patterns
 Food Chain Fishing Game printouts
 Teacher’s Reference Page – Aquatic
Insects
Topic Area Highlights
Explore the unseen world of aquatic insects
Play exciting water games
Contact your U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office
to learn about special programs in your area
Teacher Reference Books
Want to brush up on your insect facts? Here are
some excellent reference and idea books:
The Practical Entomologist by Rick Imes
The World of Insects and Arachnids by Dinah
Zike and Susan Simpson
Field Guide to Insects: America North of
Mexico by Donald J. Borror
Learning From Monarchs: A Teachers'
Handbook by Ba Rae
Do Bees Sneeze?: And Other Questions Kids
Ask about Insects by James K. Wangberg
Creep Crawlies: Butterflies, Bees, Ladybugs,
and More! by Jacqueline Clarke
Topic IX: Bugs in Flight (The Wonder of Wings)
Topic Overview: Did you know that a housefly beats it wings more than 330 times per second
and some dragonflies can fly up to 30 mph? In this topic area we’ll examine the miraculous
structure, function, and beauty of insect wings. Campers of all ages build a variety of fabulous
flying things and experiment with the properties of aerodynamics. Preschool campers make
butterfly and bee finger puppets and act out nursery rhyme songs.
FEATURED ACTIVITIES
Build a Thorax and Wing Model – Can you flap your arms 330 times per second? Go ahead give it a try! Some insects can because their thorax contains specialized muscles that move
their wings at incredible rates. Campers build a thorax/wings model to help demonstrate
just how these amazing insect wings work.
Flights of Fancy Discovery Lab – Using the science of aerodynamics, simple household
items, and the templates and directions provided, campers create and launch an array of
things that fly including planes, gliders, parachutes, kites, and whirligigs. Campers use their
engineering skills to develop innovations and improve their aerodynamic designs.
Nature’s Patterns – Artists throughout time have been inspired by the beautiful, intricate
patterns and colors of insect wings. Campers create “stained glass” sun catchers and
preschool campers explore the symmetry and color of butterfly wings.
Print Resources
 Thorax and wing pattern
 Patterns for five fabulous “flying things”
 Flights of Fancy Discovery Lab Results Sheets
 Stained Glass patterns and directions
 Finger puppet patterns
 Teacher’s Reference – The Wonder of Wings
Topic Area Highlights
Build flying things, measure how far and high they fly, use
your powers of engineering and innovation to improve
your designs, and compete against your friends!
Wonder at the marvelous designs, colors, and function of
insect wings
Create a Flying Insect Mobile
View insect wings in artwork throughout the ages
Make butterfly and bee finger puppets!
Selected
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Topic areas suggest contacting local
environmental organizations, many of which
offer resources and expertise.
Search the following terms for your community:
Local Watershed Associations
Environmental Education Centers
State and Count Park Educators
University Education and Science Programs
Conservancy Organizations
Beekeeper Associations
Entomology Clubs
Farmers / Local Food Groups
Topic X: You Can Make a Difference!
(Environmental Stewardship)
Topic Overview: Now that you know how important insects are to sustaining life, and how
important it is that we protect their habitats – it’s time to spread the word! These activities
encourage kids to take their ‘green” message to their homes, schools, and communities.
Campers “pass it on” by presenting their research, sharing their creative arts projects, writing
letters, and contacting local newspapers, and TV and radio stations. Kids can make a difference!
FEATURED ACTIVITIES
BUG CAMP Go Green Checklist – This time campers aren’t observing bugs – they’re observing
and recording their own daily activities and behaviors using the BUG CAMP Go Green Checklist.
Make A Change – Based on their Go Green Checklist results, campers choose one thing they can
do to help make their world a little greener from the Kids Can Make a Difference Activity Pages
(20 activity templates including reducing pesticides, building backyard habitats, making recycling
bins, etc.)
Pass it On – Share your good works with family, friends, and
the community:
 Host a green event at your school
 Make green invitations using recycled paper
 Display green projects in public places, like grocery
stores and libraries
 Write a letter to the editor
 Contact local TV and radio stations
Print Resources
 BUG CAMP Go Green Checklist
 Kids Can Make a Difference Activity Pages
 Media Release template
 Photo Release forms
 Letter to the Editor template
 Writing and producing a public service announcement
 Teacher Reference Page – Community Outreach
Topic Area Highlights
Make the world a little greener!
Share your work with family and friends
Appear on a TV or radio program
Make beautiful invitations from recycled paper
Recommended
Environmental Stewardship
Resources
Save the Earth Science Experiments, by
Elizabeth Snoke Harris
50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save
the Earth by The EarthWorks Group
Good Earth Art by MaryAnn Kohl
365 Ways to Live Green for Kids by
Sherri Amsel
Everything Kids’ Environment Book by
Sheri Amsel
Projects for a Healthy Planet: Simple
Environmental Experiments for Kids by
Shar Levine
Green Guide for Kids
http://greenguideforkids.blogspot.com/
Kids Save the Earth
www.50simplekids.org