Introduction

This lesson was developed to supplement a study on insects at Patterson Elementary in Hillsboro, Oregon.  

The webquest was designed as a resource for students to investigate insects for use in an expository writing project.  For this reason, the webquest is not focused on specific insects, but provides sources for students to find information about insects in general and a specific insect of their choice that is represented within the websites provided.  

Learners

This lesson focuses on 3rd grade expository writing and science.  This lesson could be extended to include art, math and mapping as it applies to habitat.

Learners should have a background in descriptive writing and have some foundation in developing paragraphs.  This lesson will add on to paragraph and descriptive writing skills.  

This lesson combines science, writing and technology.

Curriculum Standards

Life Science Standards Addressed

• Recognize characteristics, structure, and functions of organisms
• Describe the basic needs of living things
• Describe how related plants and animals have similar characteristics
• Describe a habitat and the organisms that live there
• Identify how some animals gather and store food, defend themselves, and find shelter
  

This lesson also involves the production of an insect report that challenges students to gather information to present on their insect.  The report will be presented in a layered paper format that covers six topics: food, defenses, habitat, life cycle and interesting facts.  Students are expected to write well written paragraphs on each topic.

Process

1. Click on the following link and take notes on the body parts of insects:  Entomology for Beginnners

The note taking in this lesson may take more than one day.  The whole process of the students creating their report should be spaced out over at least a week if not more, so the students have time to edit and collect enough information on their insect.  Other insect learning activities may be used to supplement this lesson.  

Some students may have more difficulty navigating a computer if they do not have a lot of experience.  Make sure that you instruct them on how to use the back button to get back to the webquest after visiting a site.  

Variations

Resources Needed

Evaluation

Conclusion

Insects are great fun and included in the curriculum for third grade.

Credits & References

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/alienempire/