Creativity With Insect Diversity
Click on any picture to see a larger view of a particular insect.
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Pete R. Rohal
Biology/Anatomy-Physiology/Integrated Science-10
Weir High School
Weirton, WV |
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ant |
borer |
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Nature's creativity and imagination is evident in an endless
diversity among organisms. What better area is there to observe diversity than in the insects? Their vast
variety of shapes, body parts, and colors encourages many possibilities for independent study of these
creatures which requires students to develop skills in reading, writing, speaking and art. |
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grasshopper |
wasp |
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After a brief examination of the general structures of an insect,
students in my Integrated Science-10 class have the opportunity to study an insect of their choice. Each
student selects a different specimen on a "first come, first serve" basis. |
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flea |
aphid |
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In preparation for their project and to expose them to some ideas,
I provide an insect collection of two hundred different species for viewing.
Also during the week, students collect pictures of various insects from magazines
and then use them to construct a large collage on the class bulletin board. |
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ladybug |
termite |
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The assignment consists of three phases: a written report, a
model, and an oral presentation. After gathering information on the predetermined insect, the students
present the material in a written report. Included in the paper are the common and scientific names of
the insect along with a labeled diagram. They also incorporate its characteristics, habitat, beneficial or
harmful traits, and insect lore. |
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silverfish |
louse |
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Second, students construct a model of the specimen using
whatever media and material they desire. I remind them to be creative and imaginative in their designs.
Keeping proportions and color of the insect in mind, the students carefully assemble their models. An
index card identifying the insect and its creator is placed beneath each display. The models are then
exhibited on a shelf around the laboratory to be viewed by all. |
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cricket |
butterfly |
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Finally, students give a three minute oral presentation on their
specific insect. Using their constructed model as a visual aid, students share their insect's diversity with
others in the class. By participating in this project, they realize that integrating science with the other
disciplines is the most rewarding and fun part of their assignment. |
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dragonfly |
potato beetle |
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As a result of their enthusiasm for this project, my students had their
work highlighted in this excerpt from the 1997 edition of our school's literary magazine,
The Looking Glass . |
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Lego bug |
moth |
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Page last updated on Tuesday, September 23, 1997, 8:53:22 PM
Copyright, September 23, 1997, Pete R. Rohal
All Rights Reserved
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