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- Entomology Grades 6-12 (SP, HZ: Semester)
Entomology Grades 6-12 (SP, HZ: Semester)
- Description
This course is great for students in grades 6-12. The course can be purchased now, but access will not be given until the last week of July. This course is currently being revamped to add more fun labs, but it will be ready in late July.
An entomology class is a specialized science course focused on the study of insects. Here's what it typically involves:
Course Content:
Insect anatomy and physiology - Students learn about the three main body parts (head, thorax, abdomen), exoskeletons, compound eyes, and various mouthparts
Classification and identification - Learning to identify major insect orders like Coleoptera (beetles), Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, ants), and Diptera (flies)
Life cycles and metamorphosis - Understanding complete vs. incomplete metamorphosis
Insect behavior - Social insects, communication, mating rituals, and survival strategies
Ecological roles - Pollination, decomposition, food chains, and ecosystem services
Economic importance - Beneficial insects, agricultural pests, and pest managementHands-on Activities:
Insect collection projects - Students often create pinned collections with properly labeled specimens
Field work - Outdoor excursions to collect and observe insects in their natural habitats
Rearing projects - Raising butterflies, beetles, or other insects through their life cycles (optional)
Dissections - Studying internal anatomy (optional)Skills Developed:
Scientific observation and documentationClassification and taxonomyResearch and data collectionEnvironmental awarenessPatience and attention to detailThese classes often appeal to students interested in biology, ecology, agriculture, or veterinary science, and can provide a foundation for careers in entomology, pest management, or environmental science.
Primary Text:
Insect Id Manual https://amzn.to/4vLEFN1
Illustrated Encyclopedia---Optional https://amzn.to/4oLj2dH?authuser=0
Students will also create an insect themed spiral notebook full of insect drawings, 3 part insect anatomy sections, and more.
Students will need to purchase or create an insect collection box, jars, and glass slides.
Self Paced
This course allows students to work independently on assignments and through the collection process with GC tasks and video help. The parent can also use this provided to curriculum to teach from home, if desired.
The course will be full of fun videos, lots of crafts, lego creations, painting, and drawing opportunities too. In addition, specific collection techniques will be taught.
The course is a semester long, 17 weeks.
Entomology Supplies
Here is my Amazon entomology class theme link I organize all of the supplies I use and fun optional supplies too.
If you have a future entomologist in your home, then you will love the additions to the list for great gift ideas.
Supply List:
spiral notebook (to add notes and drawings)
printer (to print off worksheets)
pencil, pens
erasers
coloring pencils, markers, crayons, or gel pens
circle shaped items to trace
clear tape
construction paper
computer paper
scissors
glue and gluesticks
yarn
permanent markers
clay or play-doh
coffee filters
food coloring
chenille sticks
live flower to dissection during pollination
cardstock paper
styrofoam or cardboard
insect pins
Students will be uploading images of their insect collections at the end of the class. The student should have hard shelled insects pinned, soft bodied in alcohol jars, and small insects on glass slides.
Insect collection supplies:
rubbing alcohol
https://amzn.to/3X4d2jD
clear glass containers with tops for soft bodied collections
https://amzn.to/4dGqgJ1
glass slides for collection of ants and smaller insects
https://amzn.to/4cuqAcW
clear fingernail polish to seal in ants and smaller insects
https://amzn.to/4dLtPgW
large glass jar (for insect kill jar)
It must be a large glass jar with a lid that can tighten. A Ragu spaghetti jar is best.
plaster of paris (for bottom of insect kill jar)
https://amzn.to/3yIqErz
net to catch flying insects
https://amzn.to/3M7gB2h
ziploc bags to collect insects for freezer method
https://amzn.to/3M722vS
insect collection display box (or use a cardboard box with lid with a piece of styrofoam inside)
https://amzn.to/4dlxFOj
https://amzn.to/3YIhDcz
insect collection pins
https://amzn.to/4cAmuA8 (size 2 pins are best)
or many students use sewing straight pins https://amzn.to/4v62Upj
insect pinning board
https://amzn.to/3MrZQzj
insect insect mount
https://amzn.to/4csbWCI
Additional (optional fun items):
Resin insects https://amzn.to/3M4oLZk






