I wonder what that thing is on my Manduca...

Lesson Overview:  

Using the interactive anatomy diagrams located under the Anatomy section of the All About Manduca tab, students will become more familiar with technical terms for Manduca anatomy. After making their own predictions and observations teacher will review the technical anatomy terms with the whole class. Students will then complete a crossword puzzle in order to gain experience and familiarity with Manduca vocabulary terms. This familiarity, with encouragement from their teacher, will translate into more specific and scientifically-based daily observations.

Subject Area Focus:  science & language arts

Objectives:

1. become familiar with scientific terminology related to Manduca
2. learn to use the vocabulary in correct manner
3. include proper terminology in future observations

Materials:

• journals
• access to a large classroom computer or 10-15 minutes in computer lab
• Manduca anatomy print out
• print out of puzzles for each student
• glue sticks, staples, or tape

Procedure:

1. Students should be provided with time to make their daily observations before or after the activity.
2. If possible have the Anatomy section of the All About Manduca tab displayed in the classroom on a large computer screen or multiple screens. The Manduca anatomy maps are intreactive. If you role the mouse over a part of the Manduca pictured, a little box with the term and definition will pop-up. Otherwise a paper copy of the diagrams provided will be necessary for this discussion.
3. Teacher will ask students:
   -Do you know what three parts of Manduca are?
   ** Take time to let students explore the computer/paper diagrams and their actual insects.
4. Ask students to predict the functions of these parts and record them in their observation notebook.
   Their predictions can be shared as a whole class or in a think-pair-share format. (students given time to come-up with what they think, they share with a partner, then the partner groups share with the whole group)
5. When the discussion is complete the teacher should list and review the terms used by scientists to describe the parts of Manduca. This can be donw by using the interactive diagram or paper copies printed with definitions.
6. In order to give students more experience with these new technical terms the teacher will pass out a Manduca crossword puzzle.
   <<Click here to print copies of What is that thing on my Manduca? crossword puzzle>>
   Instructions for Students: Match the words below with their definitions and then find them in the word search. (Go to the puzzel web page.)
7. The teacher should have students cut and paste the puzzle in their observation notebooks so students will have a list of terms for future reference.