This Summer I decided to volunteer at my sons' school for their two week summer camp program. We had a "bug" theme and I was in charge of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Science. I had to fill up 30 minutes with each level. Since this was Summer Camp everything needed to be interesting and hands on. It took me forever to get things together but I finally ended up with a fun program to share with the kids. I did end up spending $50 out of my pocket but everything was reimbursed. We all had a blast and I think that not only were the students entertained they also learned a bit. I visited my local library and checked out as many books on bugs as I could. The students loved having plenty of books to look through.
WEEK 1
Day 1- Watched Bill Nye Science Guy "Insects" and decorated journalsUsing a piece of construction paper and 8 pieces of plain paper I folded in half and stapled edges. Students used markers and pins to make them their own.
week 1 gave students homework (they were to bring in a dead bug) in a ziploc
Day 2- Exoskeleton and Moulting
While I read information on Moulting and Exoskeletons I had the kids rub Elmer's glue on their non-writing hand. I then had 5 questions for them to answer then we had a discussion group. While we still had 10 minutes left in class I had students peel off the dried glue. Remember to spread the glue thin and evenly.
Day 3- Spiders
We watched Bill Nye the Science Guy "Spiders".
Day 4- Spiders
Using Popsicle sticks and yarn we made spider webs. I had the students make the web the best that they could. I had them then use them as paddles for ping pong balls to check the stability of their webs.
Day 5- Bug Study
The students were asked to bring in a dead bug. During class they used all of the library books and classroom computers to do as much research on their bug as possible. A wonderful site that we mostly used was www.insectindentification.org. While they were studying their insects I took each one and put in a silicone ice cube tray. I then poured Easy Cast Epoxy on each bug. Follow the instructions perfectly or the cubes will end up sticky.
WEEK 2
Day 6- Bug Research
Give the students their dry resin bug and have them share the information and research they found on their bug. Questions: Description, where they live, what do they eat, what type of bug, and cool facts. You would be surprised on what these kids can find.
Day 7- Rollie Pollie
Using rollie pollies (pill bugs) found under rocks in my house have students give hypothesis and conclusion on both experiments. On a piece of paper color half of paper black, then set a clear plastic dessert plate on top. Give each student two bugs. ask...Which side does it go to....Why? After they try this a few times add 3 wet cotton balls to the right and 3 dry cotton balls to the left. Ask same question. Turn plate around and ask them what happens next?
Day 8- Bugs That Live on Us
Using web to copy pictures to a slide show I chose a few bugs to explain while I showed each picture some bugs had a few. Bugs I chose were the Demodex, Head Louse, Body Louse, Tick, Flea, Bot fly, Dust Mite, Bed Bug, Scabies Mite, Guinea Worm, Tapeworm. This was fun for all and had the children getting very squeamish.
Day 9- Water Bugs
Google "Sewer Bugs". Using carbonated water, water, and raisins. Have students give Hypothesis on what the raisins will do in each cup. Have them drop raisins in both and have them explain What, Why, and How?
Day 10- Bugs....FOOD?
This one had me the talk of the school. I read a few articles about the world and over crowding. I also read a few articles on how eating insects would help us all. I had purchased a 3 larvets pact from Amazon.com. I offered each student if they would like to try a bug. The ones who did received a certificate......This certifies that __________showed bravery in the name of Science. I Ate A Bug!!!
Even the ones who did not try them loves this idea.
