MicroHike

Lesson Overview:

Students will explore the world of insects around them in close detail by observing and recording the number and kinds of insects in a small space. They will then callculate the number of insects that can be found in a much larger area.

Subject Area Focus: Science and Math

Objectives:

1. count the number and types of insects in a set area over a period of time
2. record the number and type of insects they find
3. research where needed to identify insects
4. calculate the number of insects on a larger piece of ground
5. compare this number to the number of students in the school.

Materials:

• journals
• hula hoops (one for each pair of students)
• magnifying glasses

Procedure:

1. In pairs students will go outside the school where the teacher will have set up hula hoops on a section of the grounds.
2. Using magnifying glasses the students will observe the area inside the hoop and record the number and types of insects they find.
3. Unidentifiable insects can be drawn or detailed descriptions of them can be made for later identification.
4. The students will spend ten to fifteen minutes recording their information.
5. Students will return to the classroom with their findings.
6. The teacher will write the area of the grounds on the board. A rough estimate should do fine.
7. Question: How many students are inside your school? If your schoolgrounds are one hundred times the size of the in the hula hoop, how many insects do you think are outside the school? What does this tell you about insect populations and human populations?