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Kindergarten Grade
- Project
- 8 weeks
Bug-tastic Adventures: Create Your Own Insect!
Purpose
In this immersive project, kindergarten students will delve into the world of insects to understand their unique characteristics and essential roles in ecosystems. Through hands-on exploration, creative expression, and collaborative activities, students will develop a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and the importance of insect adaptations. By engaging with real-world examples and creating their own imaginative "bug-o-mons," students will cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills while discovering the resilience and impact of insects in their local environment.
Learning goals
Students will identify and describe the physical characteristics that distinguish insects from other arthropods. They will explore and articulate the various adaptations that enable insects to thrive in diverse environments and their roles in ecosystems. Through creative expression, students will design and present their own "bug-o-mon" cards, demonstrating an understanding of insect anatomy and adaptation. By engaging with community partners like the San Diego Zoo, students will connect classroom learning to real-world contexts, fostering a deeper appreciation for local biodiversity and the resilience of insects.
Standards
- NGSS - K-LS1-1: Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K.2: Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose informative/explanatory texts in which they name what they are writing about and supply some information about the topic.
- Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.A.1: Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
Products
Throughout the project, students will create a series of illustrated journals documenting their observations and insights about different insects, focusing on their adaptations and roles in the ecosystem. By the end of the project, each student will design and produce a unique "bug-o-mon" card, combining features from various insects studied, complete with creative names and descriptions of their imagined insect's adaptations and habitats. These cards will be showcased in a final exhibition at the San Diego Zoo, where students will present their creations and engage in interactive card battles to demonstrate their understanding of insect adaptations.
Launch
To kick off the project, students will visit the San Diego Zoo to observe insects in their natural habitats, sparking curiosity and excitement. This immersive experience will serve as a tangible introduction to the essential question, "What is an insect?" Students will engage with zookeepers, ask questions, and begin to distinguish insects from other arthropods. Upon returning to the classroom, students will share their observations and start brainstorming ideas for their bug-o-mon creations.
Exhibition
Students will showcase their Bug-o-mon creations at a special exhibition held at the San Diego Zoo. During the event, students will present their Bug-o-mon cards, explaining the unique adaptations and features of their invented insects through creative storytelling and art displays. Families, zoo staff, and community members will be invited to explore the students' work, engage in interactive discussions, and participate in a mini "Bug-o-mon battle" to see which adaptations prove most effective.
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
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| Activities |
Project Introduction and Essential Question Discussion - Introduce the project by discussing the essential questions, sparking curiosity and excitement about insects (10 min)
San Diego Zoo Virtual Tour - Explore a virtual tour of the San Diego Zoo to observe insects in their natural habitats and engage with visuals and video content to understand what insects are (30 min)
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Insect Characteristics Exploration - Introduce the physical characteristics of insects, focusing on the head, thorax, abdomen, six legs, two antennae, and wings through hands-on models and visuals (20 min)
Insect Drawing and Labeling - Students draw and label parts of an insect, reinforcing their understanding of insect anatomy (20 min)
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Insect Sorting Activity - Engage in a sorting activity where students distinguish insects from other arthropods, such as spiders and centipedes (20 min)
Brainstorm Bug-o-mon Ideas - Begin brainstorming ideas for bug-o-mon creations based on the insect characteristics learned (20 min)
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Observation and Journal Writing - Observe caterpillars in the classroom and begin journal entries documenting observations and thoughts (20 min)
Creative Drawing of Caterpillars - Draw caterpillars and their environment, focusing on details and colors, to enhance observation skills (20 min)
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Story Time: Insect Adventures - Read a story about insects and discuss the roles and adaptations of insects in the ecosystem (15 min)
Reflective Circle - Share reflections on the week's learning and express excitement for creating unique bug-o-mons (25 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Zoo observation reflection journal entry
2. Insect sorting activity worksheet 3. Handcrafted insect model 4. Illustrated drawing highlighting insect adaptations 5. Initial bug-o-mon sketch |
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| Preparation |
1. Coordinate transportation and permissions for the San Diego Zoo visit
2. Gather pictures of various arthropods for sorting activity 3. Prepare craft materials for insect model creation 4. Provide drawing supplies for illustrating insect adaptations 5. Set up a brainstorming space for bug-o-mon creation |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Insect Anatomy Exploration - Students will use magnifying glasses to examine various insect specimens, focusing on identifying the head, thorax, abdomen, and other features that distinguish insects from other arthropods (20 min)
Creative Drawing Session - Students will draw and label different parts of an insect based on their observations, reinforcing their understanding of insect anatomy (20 min)
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Insect Role Play - Students will act out the roles of different insects within ecosystems, exploring concepts such as pollination and decomposition (20 min)
Adaptation Discussion Circle - Engage in a class discussion about insect adaptations, focusing on how these adaptations help insects survive in their environments (20 min)
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Local Bug Hunt - Take a guided exploration in the schoolyard or nearby park to observe insects in their natural habitat, recording findings in their observation journals (20 min)
Bug-o-mon Brainstorming - Students will begin brainstorming ideas for their Bug-o-mon creations by mixing and matching insect features they've observed (20 min)
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Storytelling Session - Students will create stories around their imagined Bug-o-mons, incorporating details about the adaptations of their chosen insect parts (20 min)
Illustrative Journaling - Students will illustrate their Bug-o-mons and write descriptive captions about their adaptations and roles in ecosystems (20 min)
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Design Workshop - Students will refine their Bug-o-mon designs, ensuring that each part of their creation is based on real insect adaptations (20 min)
Peer Review - Students will share their Bug-o-mon designs with peers for feedback and further ideas, fostering collaboration and creativity (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed insect puzzles showing body parts correctly matched.
2. Individual bug-o-mon card sketches illustrating insect body parts studied this week. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather magnifying glasses and insect models for classroom observation.
2. Prepare materials for paper insect puzzles, including templates for different insect body parts. 3. Identify and map out a safe outdoor area for insect exploration where students might find local insects. 4. Provide large mural paper and drawing supplies for a collaborative class mural. 5. Ensure students have access to drawing materials like pencils, crayons, and paper for bug-o-mon card sketches. |
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| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Exploring Butterfly Life Cycle - Introduce the stages of a butterfly's life cycle and discuss metamorphosis using interactive visuals (20 min)
Butterfly Observations - Observe caterpillars and begin detailed journal entries on their transformations, noting changes each day (20 min)
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Creative Butterfly Art - Create colorful butterfly art using various materials to understand symmetry and patterns (20 min)
Designing Bug-o-mon Wings - Begin designing wings for bug-o-mon creations, experimenting with colors and patterns inspired by real butterflies (20 min)
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Insect Habitat Exploration - Explore different insect habitats and discuss how adaptations help insects survive in these environments (20 min)
Habitat Diorama Creation - Start creating dioramas of insect habitats, incorporating features that support insect life (20 min)
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Community Exploration Walk - Take a guided walk to observe local insects and their habitats, noting adaptations and interactions (20 min)
Reflective Journaling - Reflect on observations from the walk and update journals with new insights on local insect adaptations (20 min)
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Story Time: Butterfly Journey - Read a book about a butterfly's journey and discuss the themes of resilience and adaptation (15 min)
Bug-o-mon Card Revision - Review and revise bug-o-mon designs based on the week's learning, focusing on wing and habitat adaptations (25 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed playdough model of the butterfly lifecycle
2. Illustrated drawing of a butterfly with highlighted adaptations 3. Bug-o-mon sketch featuring butterfly adaptations |
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| Preparation |
1. Storybook on butterfly life cycles
2. Playdough or clay for lifecycle modeling 3. Art supplies such as paper, crayons, markers, and colored pencils for drawing activities 4. Magnifying glasses for the local exploration activity 5. Printed templates for bug-o-mon card design |
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| Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Butterfly Life Cycle Exploration - Observe real or visual examples of caterpillars and butterflies, discussing the stages of metamorphosis (20 min)
Butterfly Habitat Creation - Design a small butterfly habitat using craft materials to understand the needs of butterflies in their environment (20 min)
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Insect Adaptation Role Play - Use costumes and props to act out how specific insect adaptations help them survive (20 min)
Adaptation Drawing and Writing - Illustrate and write about one insect adaptation, focusing on how it benefits the insect's survival (20 min)
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Bug-o-mon Design Refinement - Work on improving Bug-o-mon designs by incorporating specific adaptations observed in real insects (20 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Share Bug-o-mon designs with peers, providing constructive feedback on adaptation choices and design (20 min)
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Storytelling Workshop - Create a short story featuring Bug-o-mon characters, highlighting their unique adaptations and habitats (20 min)
Illustrative Journaling - Illustrate scenes from Bug-o-mon stories and write captions that describe their adaptations (20 min)
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Insect Exhibition Planning - Collaborate to plan the layout and presentation of Bug-o-mon cards for the upcoming exhibition at the zoo (20 min)
Reflective Circle - Reflect on the week's activities, discussing what was learned about insect adaptations and how they were applied to Bug-o-mon creations (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Assembled and labeled insect anatomy model
2. Initial bug-o-mon sketch with noted adaptations 3. Short story or description of bug-o-mon adaptations and habitat 4. Journal entries of local insect observations |
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| Preparation |
1. Prepare cut-out shapes for insect anatomy activity
2. Gather drawing materials for bug-o-mon sketches and stories 3. Plan and secure a safe outdoor area for the insect hunt 4. Ensure students have journals or notebooks for observation notes 5. Coordinate with a local entomologist or expert to provide additional insights during class discussion |
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| Week 5 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Insect Pollination Exploration - Investigate the process of pollination, focusing on bees and their role in ecosystems through interactive models and visuals (20 min)
Garden Observation - Visit a school garden to observe bees in action and record observations in journals, noting pollination behaviors (20 min)
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Creative Bee Drawing - Create detailed drawings of bees, highlighting their anatomy and pollination role, and label each part (20 min)
Designing Bug-o-mon Pollination Features - Begin designing pollination adaptations for bug-o-mon creations inspired by bees, focusing on features that facilitate pollination (20 min)
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Insect Communication Role Play - Explore how insects communicate through pheromones and dance, engaging in a role play to demonstrate these behaviors (20 min)
Communication Feature Design - Integrate communication adaptations into bug-o-mon designs, incorporating real insect communication methods (20 min)
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Local Pollinator Walk - Go on a guided walk to observe local pollinators and their interactions with plants, recording findings in journals (20 min)
Reflective Journaling - Reflect on observations from the walk and update journals with insights on pollinator roles and adaptations (20 min)
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Story Time: Bee Adventures - Read a story about a bee's journey and discuss themes of cooperation and resilience in pollination (15 min)
Bug-o-mon Card Revision - Review and revise bug-o-mon designs based on the week's learning, focusing on pollination and communication adaptations (25 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Students will complete a 'Habitat Match' drawing where they illustrate their crafted insect in its appropriate habitat, labeling at least two adaptations.
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for mock ecosystems: colored paper, craft sticks, cotton balls, and small containers to represent different habitats.
2. Prepare model insects for examination, ensuring a variety of species are represented. 3. Collect recycled materials such as bottle caps, cardboard tubes, and egg cartons for the model insect crafting activity. 4. Set up a storytelling area with a caterpillar-to-butterfly book and a comfortable seating arrangement. 5. Create a simple chart or checklist for students to use during the 'Bug-o-mon Battle' practice session to help guide their discussions. |
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| Week 6 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Ant Life Exploration - Introduce the life cycle of ants and their roles in ecosystems through interactive storytelling and visuals (20 min)
Creative Ant Drawing - Draw ants and label their parts, focusing on their anatomy and roles in their colonies (20 min)
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Ant Colony Simulation - Engage in a role play activity where students simulate ant behavior and communication within a colony (20 min)
Designing Bug-o-mon Colony Features - Begin designing colony adaptations for bug-o-mon creations inspired by ants, focusing on teamwork and communication (20 min)
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Insect Camouflage Exploration - Explore the concept of camouflage in insects, using examples and visuals to understand how it aids survival (20 min)
Camouflage Art Project - Create art pieces that demonstrate insect camouflage techniques, using various materials to mimic natural patterns (20 min)
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Habitat Exploration and Journaling - Investigate different insect habitats through a virtual tour, noting adaptations that support insect survival (20 min)
Reflective Journaling - Reflect on habitat observations and update journals with insights on how habitats influence insect adaptations (20 min)
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Bug-o-mon Story Time - Share stories crafted around bug-o-mon creations, highlighting their adaptations and interactions in ecosystems (20 min)
Bug-o-mon Card Finalization - Finalize bug-o-mon card designs, ensuring a complete representation of adaptations and readying for exhibition (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed butterfly observation entries in illustrated journals.
2. Pollination activity worksheet with drawings and explanations. 3. Draft of bug-o-mon card design with selected insect body parts and adaptations. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather butterfly observation materials: magnifying glasses, notebooks, and pencils.
2. Prepare pollination activity materials: cotton balls, paper flowers, and video about bees. 3. Provide art supplies for bug-o-mon card design: colored pencils, markers, and card templates. 4. Arrange classroom setup for group discussion on resilience, including seating in a circle to facilitate sharing. |
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| Week 7 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Insect Adaptation Exploration - Students will explore various insect adaptations using interactive models and visuals, focusing on how these adaptations help insects survive in their environments (20 min)
Bug-o-mon Feature Design - Begin integrating adaptation features into bug-o-mon designs, drawing inspiration from the week's exploration (20 min)
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Interactive Storytelling - Create and perform short stories featuring bug-o-mon characters and their unique adaptations, emphasizing their roles and resilience in ecosystems (20 min)
Illustrative Journaling - Illustrate scenes from bug-o-mon stories and write captions that describe their adaptations and habitats (20 min)
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Insect Role Play - Students will act out the roles of different insects within ecosystems, exploring concepts such as pollination, communication, and resilience (20 min)
Design Workshop - Refine bug-o-mon designs, ensuring that each part of their creation is based on real insect adaptations observed during role play (20 min)
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Community Partner Exploration - Engage with zoo staff through a virtual session or guest speaker, discussing insect roles in local ecosystems and adaptations (20 min)
Bug-o-mon Card Development - Finalize bug-o-mon card designs, incorporating insights from community partners and ensuring each adaptation is clearly described (20 min)
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Insect Exhibition Planning - Collaborate to plan the layout and presentation of bug-o-mon cards for the upcoming exhibition at the zoo (20 min)
Reflective Circle - Share reflections on the week's learning, discussing the integration of insect adaptations into bug-o-mon creations and preparing for the exhibition (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed Bug-o-mon card with drawn and labeled adaptations and a descriptive paragraph explaining the adaptations chosen.
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| Preparation |
1. Provide art supplies such as colored pencils, markers, and paper for students to create their Bug-o-mon cards.
2. Prepare visual aids and examples of insect adaptations for review and inspiration. 3. Set up the classroom for peer feedback sessions, ensuring a comfortable and engaging environment. 4. Design a reflection worksheet with prompts to guide students during their reflection activity. |
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| Week 8 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Bug-o-mon Card Design - Put the finishing touches on Bug-o-mon cards, ensuring all adaptations are clearly depicted and labeled (20 min)
Bug-o-mon Story Sharing - Share the stories behind Bug-o-mon creations, focusing on the unique adaptations and habitats chosen (20 min)
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Exhibition Preparation - Begin preparing for the exhibition by organizing Bug-o-mon cards and practicing presentations about their features (20 min)
Interactive Bug-o-mon Battle Rehearsal - Practice interactive Bug-o-mon battles, explaining how adaptations help in different scenarios (20 min)
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Exhibition Setup - Collaboratively set up the exhibition space with displays and informational posters about insect adaptations and roles (20 min)
Rehearsal and Reflection - Conduct a final rehearsal of presentations and reflect on the learning journey, sharing insights with peers (20 min)
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Exhibition Day at San Diego Zoo - Present Bug-o-mon creations to families, zoo staff, and community members, showcasing understanding of insect adaptations (40 min)
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Post-Exhibition Reflection Circle - Reflect on the exhibition experience, discussing what was learned and how knowledge of insects has grown (20 min)
Thank You Art and Letters - Create thank you cards and artwork for community partners like the San Diego Zoo, expressing appreciation for their support (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed Bug-o-mon cards ready for exhibition
2. Prepared verbal presentation explaining Bug-o-mon adaptations 3. Group mural or artwork depicting insect diversity |
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| Preparation |
1. Ensure all Bug-o-mon cards are printed and laminated for durability
2. Set up a practice area in the classroom for presentation rehearsals 3. Gather art supplies for mural creation, including large paper, paints, and markers 4. Organize the classroom for the mock Bug-o-mon battle, arranging desks and chairs for easy movement 5. Plan the exhibition setup at the San Diego Zoo, coordinating with zoo staff for logistics |
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