Education and Outreach
The following are websites which describe great activities that help students to explore the exciting world of entomology. They are listed by age appropriateness and vary from short sessions to longer projects that can be done by individual students or as class projects. We encourage educators to use these activities to help teach students about insects and the vital role they play in our lives. Thanks to Payten Smith for assembling the information.
General Entomology Resources
| General Entomology Resources | URL | Site Description | Target Grade Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bug People | https://goo.gl/qUY8QP | Brief one page explanation of where to look for insects | K-5 |
| Xerces Soceity | https://goo.gl/6qYDhN | Newsletters, blogs, upcoming events and resources on latest findings. | 5+ |
| Victoria Natural History Soceity | https://goo.gl/nSSZHW | Individuals can send in images of insects for identification | Any Age |
| Royal BC Museum- six legs? | https://goo.gl/qx2fUE | Collaboration of text, images, videos and ideas relating to insects | 5 to 12 |
| Royal BC Museum- not so scary | https://goo.gl/VUdaAe | Deconstructing the belief that spiders are scary | 5 to 12 |
| E-Fauna, BC | https://goo.gl/hrQYyx | General info on all fauna, and those specific to British Columbia | 5 to 12 |
| BIOKIDS: Inqiry of Diverse Species | https://goo.gl/VJMyXU | The alphabet of Diptera. Compare your insect images online | K to 12 |
| What's that Bug? | https://goo.gl/DAhqJJ | The 'bug man' will identify any image sent in to his website | Any Age |
| Pest World for Kids | https://goo.gl/uA5oLB | Beginners exploration to blow flies (fun facts, tips on preventing 'pests') | K to 4 |
| Museum of Victoria | https://goo.gl/pg9uDZ | PDF: life cycles, analyzing insect body parts, adaptations, etc. | K to 4 |
| Project Learning Tree: Activities | https://goo.gl/4iYGLY | 63 Pages of entomological activities | Varies |
| Study.com Entomological Activities | https://goo.gl/ze6STk | Creating an insect newspaper article, diorama, insect hunt in the classroom | 4 to 7, but could be adapted |
| Education World: Bug Me! | https://goo.gl/JG3Stg | 10 Insect Activities! Field journals, wanted posters and more! | Age specified for each activity |
| The Imagination Tree | https://goo.gl/BwP2wh | 50 Activities revolving around insects! | K to 6 |
| Scholastic: Insects and Bugs! | https://goo.gl/1EYdak | Lesson plans and resources for teachers (bees, beetles, etc.) | Pre k-k, 1 to 2, 3 to 5 |
| Buggy and Buddy | https://goo.gl/1auiaG | 30 crafts where children can create insects (ladybug rocks, insect hotel) | K to 3 |
| Education to the Core: Insect Week | https://goo.gl/c53gcc | A week-long plan for teaching students about insects (bug-week) | K to 3 |
| BrainPOP Educators | https://goo.gl/7CuWe3 | List of activities and insect background knowledge for teachers and family | K to 3, 3 to 5, 6 to 8 |
| Ask an Entomologist | https://goo.gl/NpwsPC | Three different sets of lesson plans and activities. Small booklets. | k to 12 |
| Bug Talk: Learning Insect Communication | https://goo.gl/RV8iTm | Activity: How insects communicate-bioluminescence, pheromones, bee dance | 5 to 8 |
| Pest Private Eye | https://goo.gl/TidaPT | An online Interactive videogame. IMP Standpoints. | 3 to 6 |
| Teachers Guide to Insects | https://goo.gl/9ob8ZR | Simple Activties for the Classroom | K to 3 |
| UOI: Pollinator Buzzzy Activity | https://goo.gl/rgnML7 | Pictures, crosswords and fun facts about pollination | 1 to 5 |
| UOK: Entomology Resources | https://goo.gl/qEPym2 | Entomology and the scientific method | 2 to 4 |
| CAS: Invent and Insect | https://goo.gl/xRABJR | Inventing an insect considering adaptations and anatomy | 2 to 3 |
| CPALMS: Insects Everywhere! | https://goo.gl/2d5nL3 | Interactive lesson with outdoor exploration (segments, components) | 2 to 3 |
| Bouquet of Flower Investigation | https://goo.gl/CV1nV2 | Four Different Lab activities around flower reproduction | 8 to 12 |
| National Agricultural Literacy Curriculum | https://goo.gl/aUVsct | How pests affect growth of crops, and IMP management | 3 to 5 |
| Cornell University: Teaching IPM | https://goo.gl/a1aoUC | Four one hour workshops based on IPM and insects/pests/weeds | 5 to 8 |
| Science Buddies: Bugs and STEM | https://goo.gl/Q7Hj1E | Creating your own insect environment and observing their development | 8 to 12 |
| MnStep: Insect Investigation | https://goo.gl/U53tDZ | Students become entomologists while viewing the world through insects eyes | Adaptable |
| Peace Corps: Adopt a Bug | https://goo.gl/wCWRhw | Collect an insect and observe its behaviour over 1-2 days! | 3+ |
| Projects and Curriculum in STEM | https://goo.gl/2NWuVY | Exploring the Milkweed bug and mealworm activity | 7+ |
| Science Learning Hub: Rearing Insects | https://goo.gl/62gnTY | Learn how to raise a moth! Environment, life cycle, etc. | 4 to 7 |
| Adventures in Biocontrol | https://goo.gl/ukPMFt | Biological control "Snakes and Ladders" board game! | 3 to 8 |
| Britannica.com Dipteran Insect | https://goo.gl/PJcpVm | Thorough explanation of diperta and their lifecycle. | 6 to 12 |
General Entomology Videos
| Entomology Videos: | URL | Site Description | Target Grade Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Entomology | https://goo.gl/LCr5ia | An hour lecture covering an introduction to insects and pest management | 11+ |
| ENTOMOLOGY SONG | https://goo.gl/lgdFD3 | A fun 2 minute musical covering insects and body sections | All ages (it's catchy) |
| How to Spread or Pin a Butterfly | https://goo.gl/tCjecf | A 9 minute video from the University of Nebraska on how to spread and pin | 11+ |
| A Day in the Life of an Entomologist | https://goo.gl/XMpcoc | Otago Museum Curator Tony Harris shows a day of collecting insects | 10+ |
| Caltech Entomology | https://goo.gl/5eJr5p | A day in the life of Joe Parker, Caltech's entomologist | 8+ |
| Lucas the Spider | https://goo.gl/11PfT1 | Various cartoons of 'Lucas the Spider'- showing spiders aren't scary | Any Age (very cute) |
| Nat. Geo. Incredible Insects | https://goo.gl/2ex5v4 | National Geographic covers incredible insects of the Earth | Any Age |
| Wildlife Productions | https://goo.gl/ML9bGh | A special 50 minute video covering weevils and ants | 8+ |
| All About Insects for Children | https://goo.gl/CCu6Hy | Very simple and vibrant video covering insects | K-5 |
| Praying Mantises- Kung Fu Killers | https://goo.gl/qnLr6p | A 30 minute video covering Praying Mantises, and their environments | 6+ |
| BBC: Insects Return from the Dead | https://goo.gl/xJhKzb | BBC Earth covers the ability of insects to 'come back from the dead' | 6 to 12 |
| How Do Insects Survive the Winter? | https://goo.gl/T2UA6p | Discussing the diapuase (hibernating) ability of insects | 6 to 12 |
| Like Fruit? Thank a Bee! | https://goo.gl/05lGpx | A video for young children covering pollination | 1 to 5 |
| Nat. Geo. Why Bees are Awesome | https://goo.gl/NRxFpC | Students learning about beekeeping and why they are important | 1 to 5 |
| What Happens if All the Bees Die? | https://goo.gl/sAJuUn | Pollination and the detriment of the decline of bees | 3 to 8 |
| The Death of Bees Explained | https://goo.gl/JpJyBS | Parasites, Poison and Humans- why humans require bees | 8 to 12 |
| Ants- Secrets of their Communication | https://goo.gl/9yGH4b | An 11 minute video covering the methods of communication between ants | 8 to 12 |
| How Ants Communicate | https://goo.gl/EnQgFN | Under scrutiny in a lab, researchers examine ant communication | 8 to 12 |
| Ant Communication | https://goo.gl/bMLSv7 | Looks at pheromones and communication | 8 to 12 |
| Proof Ants Count! | https://goo.gl/5PSy2y | The Ant Pedometer Theory- do ants count their steps? | 6 to 12 |
Museum Entomological Resources
| Museum Resources | URL | Site Description | Target Grade Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smithsonian Lesson Plans | https://goo.gl/2oQMUP | Lesson plans (both field trip and non-field trip). PDF's, walk through activities | 6 to 12 |
| Smithsonian Teachers guide to Insect Zoo | https://goo.gl/bahxnd | An 8 page informational booklet on O.Orkin Insect Zoo | 6 to 9 |
| Vancouver Aquarium: Butterflies | https://goo.gl/boKHme | Answered questions about butterflies! | 3 to 7 |
| Royal Ontario Museum: Monthly Insect | https://goo.gl/wSNSX2 | Archive on insects, biodiversity, migration, insect species, etc | 5+ |
| Canadian National Collection of CNC | https://goo.gl/vfq4TP | Monitoring insects within canada, environmental health, etc. | 7+ |
| Philadelphia Butterfly Pavilion | https://goo.gl/Uakyxz | Activity PDF organized by grade! (Digging into taxonomy, robotics of insects) | PreK- K, K to 8, 8 to 10, 11 to 12 |
| Audubon International | https://goo.gl/z3xamE | How to create a butterfly garden | 3 to 12 |
| Audubon at Home | https://goo.gl/dptLcV | An explanation on conservation and healthy habitats | 2 to 5 |
| Best Buttefly Gardening Websites | https://goo.gl/xq5X3T | A guide to the best tips for creating a butterfly garden | 3+ |
| Museum of Victoria: Bug Lab | https://goo.gl/EcJT2x | A 33 page booklet on insects and how they shape innovation | Intermediate Students (8 to 12) |
| Essig Museum of Entomology | https://goo.gl/ED3G7m | Summary of insects contained in the Essig collection | 7+ |
| Berkeley CalBug Digital Collection | https://goo.gl/F9XKt3 | A digitized collection of arthropod (Family, genus, species, etc.) | Adults |
| J. Paul Getty Museum: Insect Anatomy | https://goo.gl/wCE9wH | Identify 3 characteristics of an adult insect (head, thorax, abdomen) | K to 2, 3 to 5 |
| Smithsonian: Adaptations of Insects | https://goo.gl/p3PaA5 | Multiple links, videos articles around arthropod adaptations | 8 to 12 |
| Smithsonian Insect Survival Plan | https://goo.gl/AfWnzW | A 12 page Pdf lesson engaging insect adaptation and survival | 3 to 5 |
| Smithsonian: Flies Robbers and Relatives | https://goo.gl/3hyRDt | Robber Flies and their relatives. Printable lesson plans. | 6 to 8, 9 to 12 |
Forensic Entomology Resources
| Forensic Entomology | URL | Site Description | Target Grade Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forensic Entomology | https://goo.gl/9XwH1z | Defines forensic entomology, includes description of collection equipment | 7 to 12 |
| Use of Insects in Death Investigations | https://goo.gl/FfdKnF | Description of Forensic Entomology | 7 to 12 |
| Decomposition: Fly Lifecycle | https://goo.gl/o2JRDt | Summarizes life cycle and transition. Few Pictures. | 7 to 12 |
| Visible Proofs: Forensic Views of Body | https://goo.gl/aY9Yb4 | How an entomologist solves criminal cases (ADH, ADD). Lesson Plan. | 6 to 9, 10 to 12 |
| SFU Museum: Investigating Forensics | https://goo.gl/bUZHQl | Overview of F.E.: PMI, maggot development, insect succession. | 6 to 12 |
| Amateur Entomologists Society | https://goo.gl/he9hvo | General entomology and insect succession and maggot age development | 6 to 12 |
| Science in School: Forensic Entomology | https://goo.gl/QASqdb | GRAPHIC: Two examples where F.E. was used to solve a mystery | 9 to 12 (maggot masses on pigs) |
| Forensics Library: Entomology | https://goo.gl/r8iTv2 | Overview of F.E. Also covers insects outside blowflies | 7 to 12 |
| Science Friday: Smell That? | https://goo.gl/XWxQ1Y | GRAPHIC: constructing your own body farm | 8 to 12 (shows decomposition and bodies) |
| Science in School: F.E. Activities | https://goo.gl/SkFVzU | Behaviour and physiology of blow flies | Age range varies |
| Nclark.net | https://goo.gl/rBoNbR | Multiple Links to forensic exercises | Age range varies |
| The Why Files- CSI | https://goo.gl/hrpUXJ | Interesting resource- CSI standpoint to solve a murder case | 7 to 12 |
| Science Buddies: Eeeeew! Maggot Mass | https://goo.gl/RMYaaG | Examining maggot mass temperature through insect rearing | 10 to 12 |
| Maggot Art- Colorful Lessons in Entomology | https://goo.gl/Yvvdb9 | Taking advantage of 3rd instar movement, maggots paint pictures! | K to 6 |
| 6Legs2Many: How to Paint With Maggots | https://goo.gl/hBwdWz | Maggot art with step by step instructions | K to 6+ |
| The Science Spot: Forensic Science | https://goo.gl/N3GBpL | Broad Overview of different areas of forensic science | 8 to 12 |
| Tree of Life Web Project | https://goo.gl/YSJtCK | Bugs, bodies and crime scene investigation | 7 to 12 |
Forensic Entomology Videos
| Forensic Entomology Videos | URL | Site Description | Target Grade Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSI Special Insects Unit | https://goo.gl/enVqVi | How insects are used to solve crimes. General overview of F.E. | 7 to 12 |
| F.E. The Crime Scene | https://goo.gl/7vk95x | GRAPHIC: life cycle, thermal images of maggot masses, PMI complications | 10-12 (shows pig cadaver) |
| Forensic Entomology (Graphic) | https://goo.gl/ibqRA8 | Images and explanations of insect lifecycles and how to collect insects | 11 to 12 |
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