Investigating Insects - A Creative Look at Ancient Bugs FLEX
In this 4 week FLEX class, we will explore ancient bugs and their modern relatives each week through videos and projects. Creepy-crawly enthusiasts will enjoy a mix of hands on activities and stories about prehistoric arthropods. #academic
Autumn Emigh (she/her/hers)
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(354)
What's included
0 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentClass Experience
US Grade 1 - 4
Do you love bugs? Did you know there were giant bugs in prehistoric times that are directly related to modern day creepy-crawlies? Would you like to compare and contrast their size and traits? This is the class for you! This class will be a 4 week FLEX class with no live meetings. Content will be posted on Mondays for the entire week and will include videos, craft projects, discussion posts, hands on activities, and weekly challenges. Content will follow this schedule: Week 1: Meganeuropsis Permiana We will learn all about this enormous dragonfly and its modern descendants. What do we know for sure? What are we speculating about? How do the different species compare to each other? How do they interact with humans? How are they portrayed in pop culture? We will create our size chart by tracing ourselves on a large roll of paper and then measuring how big these ancient flyers were and representing them on our chart. We will make Straw and Paper Dragonflies as our craft. We will have a Dragonfly hunt to see where we can find them in our areas - how many places can you spot them this week? Week 2: Manipulator Modificaputis We will learn about the predator cockroach and its modern descendants. What do we know for sure? What are we speculating about? How do the different species compare to each other? How do they interact with humans? How are they portrayed in pop culture? We will measure and add these ancient bugs to our size chart. We will make Paper Cockroaches as our craft. We will learn about raising cockroaches for pet food - what kinds of pets eat them? Week 3: Anthropleura We will learn about the monster millipede and its modern descendants. What do we know for sure? What are we speculating about? How do the different species compare to each other? How do they interact with humans? How are they portrayed in pop culture? We will measure these enormous crawlers and add them to our size chart. We will make Cardboard Tube Millipedes as our craft. We will have millipede show and tell - can you find a millipede to share with the class? Week 4: Jaekelopterus Rhenaniae We will learn about the prehistoric scorpion and its modern descendants. What do we know for sure? What are we speculating about? How do the different species compare to each other? How do they interact with humans? How are they portrayed in pop culture? We will measure these ferocious fiends and add them to our size chart. We will make Pasta Box Scorpions as our craft. We will have a pincer scavenger hunt - can you find anything in your house that has pincers similar to a scorpion? Let's see who can find the most things! I reserve the right to change/alter activities to fit learners needs and interests.
Learning Goals
Students will learn about 4 ancient bugs.
Students will compare and contrast ancient bugs to their modern descendants.
Students will create a size chart to compare themselves to ancient bugs.
Students will make 4 different craft projects.
Students will participate in weekly challenges meant to highlight bugs in their lives.
Students will have fun!
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The craft projects in this class use sharp objects like scissors and messy supplies like glue and paint. Parental supervision is strongly encouraged. Certain tasks in this class will require adult assistance, such as tracing your child on a roll of paper. Other tasks may require being outside in nature, so adult supervision would be necessary for some of them as well.
Supply List
General supplies you will need for this class include: Roll of drawing paper Tape measure Phone/camera Scissors Glue Markers (especially a black marker) Supplies you will need for specific craft projects are listed below. If you are unable to find a specific supply, let me know and I can help you brainstorm substitutions. Straw and Paper Dragonfly: Colorful paper White paper Straw Pipe cleaner Google eyes Hole punch Paper Cockroach: Brown paper bag Brown and white paper 3 brown/black pipe cleaners Cardboard Tube Millipede: Paper towel tube or 2-3 smaller cardboard tubes Green paper Centipede-colored paint Paint brush, cup, apron, and table covering Google eyes Pasta Box Scorpion: Small pasta or cereal box Scorpion-colored paper to cover box 7-8 pipe cleaners in colors of your choice Pom poms, google eyes, cardboard tube, or other supplies of your choice for decoration
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
4.9
354reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree from Bowling Green State University
Bachelor's Degree from Bowling Green State University
As a 12 year old, I was encouraged to join 4-H because of my extensive insect collection. I have been a budding entomologist ever since! I have collected, photographed, and raised insects for over 30 years, and I love passing on excitement and knowledge about bugs. One of my favorite things to help my 4-H members work on is insect projects - they are very different than when I was a member, but still so educational! Reviews
Self-Paced Class
$10
weekly or $40 for all content1 pre-recorded lesson
4 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 2 learners
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Ages: 6-11
