Higher order thinking and Connections to nature

This article gives us exactly what we need to focus on three fundamental elementary insects. Teachers know these organisms are in their standards...but how do they teach them? More importa... See More

This article gives us exactly what we need to focus on three fundamental elementary insects. Teachers know these organisms are in their standards...but how do they teach them? More importantly why do we teach them? What is the big deal about bees, butterflies, and ladybugs? Well scientists know that these three organisms help students understand how connected the world is around them. Pollenation, honey production, pest removal are just some of the many benefits.This article blends the big idea about why we study the organisms in the first place, adds common doable classroom extensions (KLW, Venn ;diagrams) and provides sugestions to encourage and enhance field experiences. Great job Dr. Campbell.

Fantastic Rescource for Teaching Ecology

This article lays out simple and effective strategies to introduce the concepts of bees, butterflies, and ladybugs into the classroom. The author lists various instructional methods which w... See More

This article lays out simple and effective strategies to introduce the concepts of bees, butterflies, and ladybugs into the classroom. The author lists various instructional methods which will provide students with real world learning experiences. Several resources are also included so an engaging, multisensory lesson plan can be created.

Similarities and Connections

This article captures the relationship of three important insects to plants. Students learn about each species and then discuss how each species undergoes that same transformation from egg t... See More

This article captures the relationship of three important insects to plants. Students learn about each species and then discuss how each species undergoes that same transformation from egg to adult. This articles helps to foster the understanding of each species and how they co-depend on one another.

Interactive Science Unit Resource

This journal article provides a foundation of facts for teachers who would like to start a lesson on the beneficial relationship between plants and insects. Included in this article are also... See More

This journal article provides a foundation of facts for teachers who would like to start a lesson on the beneficial relationship between plants and insects. Included in this article are also additional resources on honeybees, butterflies and ladybugs. This article also highlights how the National Science Education Standards are connected to this lesson in the life cycles of these organisms. This article would be a useful starting point for a unit on pollinators.

Good Reference List & Teacher background

This article is worth pulling for the reference lists provided and as a background read before taking on a class project using butterflies or ladybugs (it unlikely you will be using bees in ... See More

This article is worth pulling for the reference lists provided and as a background read before taking on a class project using butterflies or ladybugs (it unlikely you will be using bees in your classroom!) Although the article is well intentioned, there is just too much information presented in the few pages so the tone of the article seems to drive curiosity out - for both reader and student.