Investigating Insects - A Creative Look at Ancient Bugs FLEX

Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(346)

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

Class 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: ...

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!

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!

This class requires videos and projects each week.  It should take under 2 hours to complete the work for this class each week, although some activities are open ended and can take longer if desired.  Tasks can be broken down across several days.  Classroom interaction is strongly encouraged, but not required.

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

Can learner talk about 4 ancient bugs?
Can learner compare and contrast ancient bugs to their modern descendants?
Did learner create a size chart to compare themselves to ancient bugs?
Did learner make 4 different craft projects?
Did learner participate in weekly challenges meant to highlight bugs in their lives?
Did learner have fun?

No live meetings, and an estimated 2 - 4 hours per week outside of class.

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.

All materials for this class will be created by the instructor.

Available times

Pacific

Table of available sections

Meet the teacher

Autumn Emigh (she/her/hers)

Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(346)

I am a licensed Speech Therapist and English as a Second Language teacher by training, so my classes are all about learning and using language.  I am also passionate about including all learners and making my classroom a safe and inclusive space. ...