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Education Programs |
Insect Adventure
Program Description
Capitalizing on children's inherent curiosity about insects and other residents of the micro-world, the Insect Adventure is designed to teach about insects while enabling students to look at their environment with a holistic view. Important concepts such as habitat, interdependence and adaptation are reinforced throughout the program, and students have the opportunity to employ several steps in the scientific method as they become junior entomologists.
Students, led by Audubon naturalists, walk a specially constructed trail through a pine flatwood area that includes learning stations spaced along the trail where they perform experiments designed to coincide with subjects studied in the classroom.
The program includes teacher training, a teacher's resource guide, use of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary's traveling Insect Adventure literature component containing fact, fiction, and poetry titles appropriate for second grade students, a field program of about 2-1/2 hours, and a follow-up evaluation.
Insect Adventure Notes from
Corkscrew Elementary ~ Lely Elementary ~ Poinciana Elementary ~ Sabal Palm Elementary ~ Village Oaks Elementary
Lely Elementary School
Preparation for the Insect Adventure began in the classroom with Thinking, Bubble, and Circle Maps to help students organize new information about insects and spiders, and then put it all into sentences about insect appearances.
Then came the reading of insect books loaned by Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and discussions and exercises about insect life cycles and social habits.
Finally, students learned how some insects could be beneficial while others had negative impacts on their environments.
Then came the field trip to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary to participate in the wild Insect Adventure.
Back at school, students wrote personal narratives about their experiences on the field trip.
"Yesterday our class went to Corkscrew Swamp. We went to the swamp for a hands on insect adventure. First, we listened to the introduction. Next we did the boardwalk -- we found a cool insect. Then we hit the bush. We found a lot of insects. After that we did the net. We put the net in the water. I caught a fish. Finally we ate lunch. I was hungry. Then we went to the bus. We went back to school. We had so much fun!"
Poinciana Elementary School
"Why not just call us entomologists? After all, we are at Corkscrew to study insects."
That was the reply to Donna Brookins, the marvelous volunteer guide, who had just asked students in Carol Graham's second grade class to come up with a group name for their Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary field trip.
Why do these little tykes know the word "entomologist" which almost is larger than they are? Also, why do these seven year old students from Poinciana Elementary know the stages in a complete metamorphosis; that head, thorax, and abdomen are insects' body parts; and various other insect tidbits? They have participated in the insect unit of study provided by Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
The excitement began when large suitcase containing over seventy beautiful, informative books arrived in the classroom. Of course, the minute this enticing lending library arrived, the day's lesson plans were put on hold while the students "oohed, aahed," and gathered information from the treasured books. Each book was repeatedly and enthusiastically handled, admired, digested, and safely returned to the suitcase decorated with colorful insects.
A teacher's guide filled with suggested pre- and post-trip classroom activities helped each of Poinciana's second grade teachers prepare students for the trip to Corkscrew, and helped the second graders review after the trip. Our sincere thanks go to the Corkscrew staff with Rebecca Beck as contact person, to the many volunteers, and to our sponsors who made these experiences possible.
One may have heard educators explain that there is almost more to teach in any given year than seems to fit. If that is the case, why would second grade teachers devote time to learning about lowly little insects? There are many good answers to that sensible question. First, this outstanding program is designed to teach many concepts in the Sunshine State Standards required for second grade students. Students are encouraged to learn concepts such as the scientific method, ecology, observation, and food chains and webs.
Additionally, many students begin with a "ooh, yuck" attitude toward insects. They know several of the detrimental aspects concerning insects. Through this study, the children learn the many ways insects help our environment. Students also gain an appreciation for the variety of insect adaptations and the social structure of insects such as ants, bees, and termites. Learning to reserve judgment until one gathers more information, and understanding the value of all denizens of our environment, are fostered. Surely, these understandings are important in developing good adult citizens. As we all know, dedicated and informed citizens are the basis for our democracy. The lowly, little insects have helped a bit to reach such a lofty goal.
- by Carol Graham
- Second Grade Teacher
- Poinciana Elementary School
Village Oaks Elementary School
When we visited Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, our children had little concept of what to expect. A zoo, or a lot of crocodiles were some of the comments. We had to discuss, "What is a swamp and why is it called a sanctuary?" Our Science Unit coincided with learning about habitats and environment. This also helped us have an 82% average on our Post Tests. Our Pretests were in the range of 75%.
Our classes learned how bugs see images by putting on bug goggles and with a partner, move hands and body parts to see what a bug would see. Wacking the Bush was a fun activity where we got to see where and how many insects can live on one bush. We also tried finding a partner with the same scent, just as an ant would do. This activity ran a close second when we voted for the best activity. But netting the creatures in the water was voted best by far. Our students were fascinated with all the insects, fish and crabs they caught. They even liked to touch them. They learned that many creatures can live in water and on land.
We had a fantastic time and our students are asking, "Can we come again?" We could not have had this experience without the help of you and our sponsors. Thank You.
Corkscrew Elementary School
Second grade students from Corkscrew Elementary School participated in an Insect Adventure sponsored by Mae Wood, a long time supporter of the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Prior to visiting the sanctuary, teachers and students prepared by engaging in many exciting discoveries. Classroom activities addressed pertinent topics including insect habitats, adaptation, interdependence, and the structure and function of the insect species. The highly informative and hands-on activities encouraged the students to practice the scientific skills of prediction, observation and analysis.
The children observed many insect species as well as members of the other animal families. Each discovery provided a wonderful sense of accomplishment as well as a connection between science and real world experience. Students discovered animals living in the water, underground and in the air. With the assistance of the able guides, the second graders from Corkscrew Elementary School became junior entomologists.
Upon completion of the field experience, students returned to their classrooms to engage in various culminating activities such as models of a butterfly's life cycle and art projects detailing the anatomy of an insect. Throughout the experience, from the pre event activities to the culminating activities, the students acquired a wealth of scientific knowledge and a sense of adventure that they will not soon forget.
