Homework Idea
Mini Beasts? Bugs? No! Entomology!
“Dr. David Suzuki asks, “What are the consequences of teaching children
that the insect world is yucky?”
When doing Science we should use the correct terminology with students. It is important to use the name of the discipline. So when studying ‘Insects’, it is much better scientifically to use the term ‘entomology rather than ‘Mini-Beasts’ or some such thing.
Possible Tasks:
- General Discussion leading to writing – What is an insect? What isn’t an insect? Are insects animals? What are some insects humans/you find annoying? Q. What is the deadliest insect on planet Earth? A. The mosquito. Why is this so? Why don’t baby praying mantis ever meet their fathers? What are some interesting insects you have heard of? What is the most beautiful insect in the world? What is the strangest insect in the world?
- Choose an insect you have long wanted to know more about and write an information report on it. Include scientific name, habitat, breeding cycle, special body features, food, where it is found, common myths associated with the insect, etc
- Write an information report on what you feel is the world’s most interesting insect. Include scientific name, habitat, breeding cycle, special body features, where it is found, common myths associated with the insect, etc
- Explore your back yard, the playground, or simply pick the first insect that you cross paths with this week and write the same information report as above.
