Field Trips

Insects

Grade Level:
Lower Elementary: Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade
Subject:
Science
State Standards:
Next Generation Science Standards:
LS2.A
LS4.D
ETS1.B

This program investigates the characteristics of insects within Olympic National Park as well as what they need to have in their habitat. Through guided and unguided observations, students increase their understanding of the insects and forests of the Pacific Northwest, understand how scientists use a variety of tools and equipment to assist with the scientific process, and realize that the scientific method begins with observations and questioning. The program runs approximately 3.5 hours and occurs both inside and out. 

The insect program compliments the Insects FOSS Science Kits for second grade, but can be adapted for any age. Consisting of a nature walk, microscope investigation time, and educational games, the insects program is a fun, interactive learning experience. This field trip is offered during the fall season.

Contact

Dean Butterworth
email us
360-565-3146



Activities: Nature hike along the Peabody Creek Trail, exploration stop in the forest, insect investigations with video microscope and an indoor or outdoor scavenger hunt. 
 
Theme: Olympic National Park provides diverse habitats for different types of insects. 
 
Goals: At the end of the program students will:
 1. Understand how different habitat characteristics determine where different insects live
 2. Know that insects have different features from each other and from other animals
 3. Explore and make observations in the lowland forest of Olympic National Park
 4. Understand the first stages of the scientific method (making observations and asking testable questions)
 5. Know the identifying characteristics of an insect
 6. Recognize how tools help scientists study natural phenomenon and gain new knowledge

Objectives: At the end of the program students will:
 1. List the four components of habitat
 2. Hike the trails around the Olympic National Park Visitor Center
 3. Make at least three observations about insects or habitat
 4. Record observations about habitat using drawings and charts to organize the data
 5. Describe the characteristics that identify an insect
 6. Record three observations about insects of Olympic National Park
 7. Use a scientific tool to help them make observations 

Next Generation Science Standards Addressed: This lesson is designed to be used in conjunction with FOSS’s Next Generation Insects and Plants module for 2nd grade. Specifically, this program addresses the following elements of second grade standards: 

Performance Expectations

  • 2-LS2-2. Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants.
  • 2-LS4-1. Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats. 

Science and Engineering Practices

  • Developing and Using Models: Develop a simple model, based on evidence, to represent a proposed object or tool. (2-LS2-2)
  • Planning and Carrying Out Investigations: Plan and conduct an investigation collaboratively to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence to answer a question. (2-LS2-1)
  • Make observations (firsthand or from media) to collect data that can be used to make comparisons. (2-LS4-1) 

Disciplinary Core Ideas

  • LS2.A. Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: Plants depend on animals for pollination or to move their seeds around. (2-LS2-2)
  • LS4.D. Biodiversity and Humans: There are many different kinds of living things in any area, and they exist in different places on land and in water. (2-LS4-1)
  • ETS1.B. Developing Possible Solutions: Designs can be conveyed through sketches, drawings or physical models. These representations are useful in communicating ideas for a problem’s solutions to other people. (secondary to 2-LS2-2) 

Crosscutting Concepts

  • Structure and Function: The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s). (2-LS2-2)
 

Sample Schedule (program can be tailored to address your needs) 

08:00 Arrival and welcome in the Visitor Center auditorium. Separate into three groups.  
08:15 Begin first station (nature hike)  
09:05 Rotate, second station (microscope investigations)  
09:55 - 10:15 Snack and restroom break  
10:20 – 11:05 Third and final station (scavenger hunt)  
11:10 – 11:20 Summary and closing

 

Tags: insects habitats scientific method biodiversity

Last updated: December 3, 2019