Insect Project

Reprinted from The Wild Times Teacher Connection v2n3, Spring 1997.

by Charissa Sgouros

Insects are so small, and yet they out-populate humans by quite a large number. They are crucial to our existence, and by studying them, children can learn to appreciate these "unhuggable" creatures.

Being in the throes of learning how to do research, my students each chose their own insect to study. They were then responsible for finding out as much information as possible, using a variety of resources, such as homework readings, on-line computer information, science books, library, etc. This information was first translated into sketches, which were later used for their papier-mâché models, and finally, creative writing pieces. Each child had a choice of how to express the information discovered creatively by way of short story, song, poem, letter, or diary entry. Whatever method was used, it was to be a vehicle for relating information about their individual insect.

The written pieces and models in the primary edition of The Wild Times are part of the culmination of our classes insect research project.

Charissa teaches 8 and 9 year olds at the Bank Street School for Children in NYC.

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