Friend or Foe? A Nature Study on Arthropods: Insects, Spiders and Their Kin

Each week students will be introduced to an arthropod and learn about its basic anatomy, movement, habitat, diet, and behavior. Students will understand that physical characteristics and behavior help with identifying species. With prompting and support, students will ask and answer questions using scientific terminology that will help expand their vocabulary. They will become familiar with basic ecology and ask "how?" and "why?" questions to analyze and determine whether the arthropod of the week is a friend (beneficial) or a foe (pest).  

Information will come from:
•	Class discussion 
•	Google Slides
•	Videos
•	The weekly activity worksheet or study aid

Students will demonstrate active participation through individual and group discussions, asking questions, and providing examples of content area information. 

Clarification or assistance will be provided as needed as well as the ascertainment that all learners remain on-task. 

SPECIAL NOTE: 
Students can jump in at any time, they do not need prior knowledge to join the class. Each lesson is self-contained, and you do not need to have attended previous classes to join. 

ARTHROPOD OF THE WEEK SCHEDULE: 
Week 1 (July 8th): What is an arthropod and what classifies as an insect? (an introduction to arthropods)
Week 2 (July 15th): Tarantula Hawks and other spider wasps
Week 3 (July 22nd/23rd): Fireflies
Week 4 (July 29th/30th): Centipedes
Week 5 (Aug. 5th/6th): Millipedes
Week 6 (Aug. 12th/13th): Jumping Spiders
Week 7 (Aug. 19th/20th): Beetles
Week 8 (Aug. 26th/27th): Harvestmen
Week 9 (Sept. 2nd/3rd): Weevil
Week 10 (Sept. 9th/10th): Dragonflies and Damselflies
Week 11 (Sept. 16th/17th): Assassin Bugs
Week 12 (Sept. 23rd/24th): Grasshopper, Crickets, and Katydids
Week 13 (Sept. 30th/Oct.1st): Honey Bees, Carpenter Bees, and Mason Bees
Week 14 (Oct. 7th/8th): Orbweavers
Week 15 (Oct. 14th/15th): Crane fly 

Let’s learn about arthropods!