Understanding Insects and Spiders
This program involves the capture and release of live insects and spiders in their natural habitats. All of the insects and spiders collected by the group will be gently released back into the habitats in which they were found. Students will connect their findings to ecological terms and concepts such as adaptation, biological diversity, indications of habitat health, and insect biomass.
Grade Levels, Program Length, and Season
- Appropriate for Grade Levels 3-12
- This program lasts 2 hours, and can be adapted to suit your needs
- The program is offered June - October
Program Description and Activities
Students will use various techniques for finding, capturing and observing insects and spiders in their natural habitat, and, if time allows, a microscope investigation of insect and spider adaptations. We will also include investigations and discussions of the tremendous importance of insects in the food web. In particular, this multifaceted program experience may include:
- Using an assortment of tools and techniques for field sampling of insects and spiders.
- Using field guides to identify insects and spiders we capture.
- Discussing the importance of insects in food webs, for pollination, and other ecological functions.
- Discussing the adaptations and life histories of some of the insects and spiders we observe.
- Discussing ways that students can support healthy, diverse insect populations in their communities.
All of the insects and spiders collected by the group will be gently released back into the habitats in which they were found.