Grades: 1-6
* This is a lesson I taught to first through sixth grade students as part of a weeklong science camp.
1. Discuss that insects have various mouths in order to consume food. Show pictures as possible or look at using a microscope or magnifying glass and various insects.
- sucker – straw or needle (Mosquito)
- chewer – clothespin (Beetle, Ants)
- absorber – sponge (End of butterfly proboscis)
- proboscis – party blower (Butterfly)
2. Have stations set up that the students will rotate through in order to try to consume food as different insects do.
- Clothespins, beans
- Sponges, small glasses of water
- straws, small glasses of water
- party blowers with Velcro on end, paper flowers with Velcro
3. Have the students pick their favorite insect. Allow them time to explore the internet (integrating technology) to discover what kind of mouth that insect has. I have a page that has a list of a few website they may visit to find the information.
4. Have the students use various art supplies to create the insect on a sheet of black construction paper (integrating art). Their insect must have the correct mouth.
