I wonder what the Manduca life cycle looks like...

Lesson Overview:  

Students will create their own insect model and explain its life cycle.

Subject Area Focus: science & art

Objectives:

1. create their own insect
2. explain the life cycle of this insect
3. use their knowledge of insects to make their creation as realistic as possible
4. explain the life cycle of their insect artistically; through drama, story telling, pictures, or other means.

Materials:  

• journals
• art supplies (paper, modeling clay, pipe cleaners, construction paper...)
• books about insects (for research and inspiration)

Procedure:  

** Teachers can make this project as detailed as they wish. More advanced students can include information about the order and family their insects belong to as well as what they eat, where they live, and the length of and changes that occur during the life cycle.

1. After students have made their daily observations, the teacher will inform the class that they have just discovered a new insect species. The teacher will present students with the exciting opportunity to create the first model of this new insect.
2. In 2-4 days time students will present their insect model to the class as if they were a famous entomologist.
3. In their presentation students/famous entomologists must account for several key components: an insect name, where it lives, what it eats, information about its life cycle and five interesting facts about it.
4. The life cycle can be shown through pictures, several models or even acting it out.
5. The teacher should tell the students that there is no reason to feel rushed because there will be several days set aside for the creation and presentation of their projects.
6. The students should be shown the materials at their disposal and be encouraged to bring in other materials from home or ask for things they might want or need.
   * At this time it would be helpful to have insect books available for students to get inspired!
7. The teacher should try to meet with each student over the course of the day to try and determine what it is they will be doing and help students who are stuck or unmotivated.