Insect Characteristics

This WebQuest is to teach students about the characteristics of insects.  It should be taught in conjunction with "growing" insects in the classroom to learn about the 4-stage and the 3-stage life cycles.  The Full Option Science System (F.O.S.S.) insect kit is an excellent tool for growing insects. 

The videos at the beginning of the process section are on the website Learn 360.  Learn 360 requires a username and password, you can get a free 30 day trial if you don't already have a subscription through your school district. 

It will take approximately a week (1 hour of class time per day) to complete the entire WebQuest including the final project and presentations to the class.  The teacher should introduce the WebQuest to the class using the Interactive Whiteboard through a link on the teacher's website.  Students can use the computers in the computer lab or laptops in the classroom to complete the online portion of the WebQuest.

Standards

Science Standards
(2)1.5 Ask questions about the natural world.
(2)1.7 Explain that there are many kinds of scientists in the world.
(2)1.8 Explain that many kinds of people do science.
(2)1.9 Explain that we can do science in a classroom like scientists.
(2)4.4 Explain that many different kinds of living things exist on Earth.
(2)4.8 Identify and sort animals by observable characteristics and/or behaviors.

Technology Standards:
1.A.2.1 Use digital tools to brainstorm and organize new ideas.
1.B.2.1 Create an original work using a variety of digital tools as a means of personal or group expression.
2.A.2.1 Work in classroom groups to create and publish digital products.
3.A.2.1 Determine steps to answer a question using digital tools.
4.A.2.1 Investigate an authentic problem using digital resources.
5.B.2.1 Use technologies in learning activities.

Language Standards (CCSS):
SL.2.1 Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
SL.2.1a Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., gaining the floor in respectful ways, listening to others with care, speaking one at a time about the topics and texts under discussion).
SL.2.1c Ask for clarification and further explanation as needed about the topics and texts under discussion.
SL.2.2 Recount or describe key ideas or details from a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.
SL.2.3 Ask and answer questions about what a speaker says in order to clarify comprehension, gather additional information, or deepen understanding of a topic or issue.
SL.2.6 Produce complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation in order to provide requested detail or clarification.

Credits

All images in this WebQuest were found in The Commons on Flickr.com. Thank you to all the photographers that shared their amazing pictures.
Thank you to the University of Illinois Extension for the slide show "Let's Talk About Insects" and MySchoolhouse.com for the article and quiz about insects.
Thank you to Full Option Science System (F.O.S.S.) for the Insect Hunt game.
Thank you also to Amateur Entomologist Society for the the "Am I an Insect?" game and to MrNussbaum.com for the "Insect Genterator".
Thank you to Pamela Dooley, instructor for TECH145.273: Teaching with WebQuests for Grades K-12 through PBS TeacherLine who guided me through the WebQuest process.

Other

We all benefit by being generous with our work. Permission is granted for others to use and modify this WebQuest for educational, non-commercial purposes as long as the original authorship is credited. The modified WebQuest may be shared only under the same conditions.