Darkling Beetle Larva Observations
First and second grade students observe Darkling Beetle larva, commonly known as mealworms.
During their initial observations, they noticed molted skins among the oats and sawdust. Students observed the attributes of the larva: 6 legs and antennae. Students listed observations and questions as they worked.
Over time, students wondered: "Can mealworms climb up / down a ramp?" "Are they attracted to colors?" "Do they like water?" Some students have started to test out their questions. Finally! A pupa is discovered on October 17th!
Insect Unit
and
Darkling Beetle Life Cycle Study
Dr. Charlene Kohn, Science Content Teacher
for
MB Clason, M. Langelier, C. Kohn
classes
September-October 2013
At the beginning of the school year, each student chose an insect he or she was interested in researching. Learning to draw this insect was used as the foundation for understanding and developing criteria for Best Quality Work in each of our three classrooms.
Students:
Amery. H. Bugs.
Balmer, E. Butterflies and Moths.
Bauer, J. Butterfly Life Cycle.
Booth, J. Big Bugs.
Brennan, B. Where's That Insect?
Gibbons, G. Monarch Butterflies.
Heller, R. How To Hide A Butterfly.
Julivert, M.A. The Fascinating World of Beetles.
Legg, G. From Caterpillars to Butterfly.
Merrians, D. I Can Read About Insects.
Miller, S. True Bugs: When is a Bug Really a Bug?
Morgan, S. Butterflies, Bugs, and Worms.
Pallotta, J. The Icky Bug Alphabet Book.
Peterson's Pocket Guide to Caterpillars.
Peterson's Pocket Guide to Insects.
Selsam, M. Backyard Insects.
Stewart, M. A Place For Butterflies.
Time Life Books: Insect World.
Whalley, P. Butterfly and Moth.
ZooBooks. Insects Volumes 1 & 2.
Poetry about insects from varied sources.
Darkling Beetle Larva Study (Mealworm):
Students:
Books read aloud & discussed:
Author unknown. Big Bad Bugs.
Davidson, A. Creepy Crawlies.
Enchanted Learning: Life Cycle of the Darkling Beetle.
Next Generation Science Standards:
Disciplinary Core Ideas
LS1.A: Structure and Function
All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow. (1-LS1-1)
LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms
Adult plants and animals can have young. In many kinds of animals, parents and the offspring themselves engage in behaviors that help the offspring to survive. (1-LS1-2)
LS1.D: Information Processing
• Animals have body parts that capture and convey different kinds of information needed for growth and survival. Animals respond to these inputs with behaviors that help them survive. Plants also respond to some external inputs. (1-LS1-1)
Crosscutting Concepts NGSS:
Patterns: patterns in the natural world can be observed, used to describe phenomena, and used as evidence.
Structure and Function: The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s).
Common Core ELA Standards:
RI.1.1: Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
RI.1.2: Identify the main topic and retell key details of a text.
RI.1.10: With prompting and support, read informational texts appropriately complex for grade.
W.1.7: Participate in shared research and writing projects.
W.1.8: With guidance & support, recall information from experiences or gather informationfrom provided sources to answer a question.
and
Darkling Beetle Life Cycle Study
Dr. Charlene Kohn, Science Content Teacher
for
MB Clason, M. Langelier, C. Kohn
classes
September-October 2013
At the beginning of the school year, each student chose an insect he or she was interested in researching. Learning to draw this insect was used as the foundation for understanding and developing criteria for Best Quality Work in each of our three classrooms.
Students:
- created and labeled life cycle of Monarch butterfly: egg > larva > pupa > adult,
- designed & created insect and then labeled body parts: head, thorax, abdomen, antennae, wings, legs, name of insect,
- read, discussed and highlighted important facts about specific individual insects using informational text from Enchanted Learning (or other grade level appropriate website) completing a graphic organizer: common name, scientific name, habitat, features, food, and an interesting fact,
- followed directions to build a fly-able paper insect of individual choice; made adjustments after several trials to make insect fly further—adjusted weight, refolded flaps, etc. Students flew their insects, measured and recorded distances (STEM connection—engineering design),
- read & highlighted information about butterflies and moths,
- completed a Venn diagram comparing butterflies & moths,
- read & highlighted information about crickets and grasshoppers,
- completed a Venn diagram comparing grasshoppers and crickets,
- accessed the website BrainPop!; viewed & listened to information about insects and ants and took the online quiz,
- made observational drawing and listed three observations each of: dragonfly, Monarch butterfly and beetles
Amery. H. Bugs.
Balmer, E. Butterflies and Moths.
Bauer, J. Butterfly Life Cycle.
Booth, J. Big Bugs.
Brennan, B. Where's That Insect?
Gibbons, G. Monarch Butterflies.
Heller, R. How To Hide A Butterfly.
Julivert, M.A. The Fascinating World of Beetles.
Legg, G. From Caterpillars to Butterfly.
Merrians, D. I Can Read About Insects.
Miller, S. True Bugs: When is a Bug Really a Bug?
Morgan, S. Butterflies, Bugs, and Worms.
Pallotta, J. The Icky Bug Alphabet Book.
Peterson's Pocket Guide to Caterpillars.
Peterson's Pocket Guide to Insects.
Selsam, M. Backyard Insects.
Stewart, M. A Place For Butterflies.
Time Life Books: Insect World.
Whalley, P. Butterfly and Moth.
ZooBooks. Insects Volumes 1 & 2.
Poetry about insects from varied sources.
Darkling Beetle Larva Study (Mealworm):
Students:
- observed larva 3-4 times each week for 5 weeks,
- read & highlighted informational text about beetle life cycle (Enchanted Learning),
- discovered beetle pupa!,
- changed larva / pupa habitat; preparing to over-winter.
Books read aloud & discussed:
Author unknown. Big Bad Bugs.
Davidson, A. Creepy Crawlies.
Enchanted Learning: Life Cycle of the Darkling Beetle.
Next Generation Science Standards:
Disciplinary Core Ideas
LS1.A: Structure and Function
All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow. (1-LS1-1)
LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms
Adult plants and animals can have young. In many kinds of animals, parents and the offspring themselves engage in behaviors that help the offspring to survive. (1-LS1-2)
LS1.D: Information Processing
• Animals have body parts that capture and convey different kinds of information needed for growth and survival. Animals respond to these inputs with behaviors that help them survive. Plants also respond to some external inputs. (1-LS1-1)
Crosscutting Concepts NGSS:
Patterns: patterns in the natural world can be observed, used to describe phenomena, and used as evidence.
Structure and Function: The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s).
Common Core ELA Standards:
RI.1.1: Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
RI.1.2: Identify the main topic and retell key details of a text.
RI.1.10: With prompting and support, read informational texts appropriately complex for grade.
W.1.7: Participate in shared research and writing projects.
W.1.8: With guidance & support, recall information from experiences or gather informationfrom provided sources to answer a question.