Third Grade Insect Project

Mrs. Magarie & Mrs. Barrett

Name: ______

Insect: ______

Due Date: Friday, May 24, 2012

Introduction

Welcome to the wonderful world of insects! In this project, you will be working on becoming an insect expert, also known as an entomologist! To become an expert, you will need to learn about the parts of an insect, their habitat (where they live), food, family, life cycle, and adaptations (what they do when their environment changes). This assignment will becompleted in Computer class as well as in the classroom;therefore, you must be prepared at all times. You will be responsible in the research of an insect and putting it together in a ‘Squash’ booklet.

At the end of this project, you can prove that you're really an insect expert by identifyinghow insects and butterflies adapt to their living environment by researching facts, creating an Acrostic poem, andconstructing a book report. Are you ready? Well let's get started!

The Task

TheTask: In order for you to become an insect expert or entomologist, you will need to complete the following tasks:

  • First, bring in a book of an insect to class by Thursday, May 3, 2012.
  • At home or during computer class, gather at least 3 website facts about your insect and bring it to class as well on May 3rd.
  • Research facts about your insect and construct a ‘Squash’ book.
  • Research facts on one type of butterfly and write an Acrosticpoem about it.

The Process

Hi detectives! You are going to be exploring the world of insects! You will be learning about many different insects in this lesson

  1. First, research facts about your insect using your book and internet facts. Use the graphic organizer to lay out your facts. In this report be sure to include its habitat (where they live), the food they eat, its predator(s), the family they belong to, their lifecycle, and how they adapt to their surroundings.
  2. Using your facts, begin putting together your “Squash” book following the directions very carefully by your teacher.
  3. During computer class, you will gather more facts about your insects as well as facts about one type of butterfly.
  4. In class, use these facts to complete your insect “Squash” book and butterfly Acrostic poem.
  5. Below are links to various insects and butterflies. These links willbe very helpful in your research.

bugfacts koday’s insects/bugmenu Insectclopedia

thebutterflysite reference4kids/about_butterfly

IMPORTANT

You must have on hand for each Computer class your science folder containing ALL your research and this handout! A zero (0) will be given each time you are NOT prepared for computer class!

Below is a rubric on how you will be graded for this assignment.

Name: ______

Date: ______

Evaluation

Describe to the learners how their performance will be evaluated. Specify whether there will be a common grade for group work vs. individual grades.

Beginning
1 / Developing
2 / Accomplished
3 / Exemplary
4 / Score
Acrostic
Poem / Acrostic poem is either incomplete, not completed at all or contains many errors. / Acrostic poem is missing many facts, is not neatly written, or requirements were not met. / Acrostic poem is neatly written and has met the requirements. / Acrostic poem contains great descriptive words, is beautifully put togetherand exceeds the set requirements.
Favorite Insect
Report
(Squash Book) / Student’s report is not complete or handed in very late. Contains many spelling/grammatical errors or is very messy. / Student’s report is either missing some important information or very disorganized/messy. Contains 3 or more spelling/grammatical errors. / Squash report has met the standard requirements about the insect as outlined. Contains at least 1-2 spelling or grammatical errors. / Squash report gives good examples and more information about the insect than asked for. Contains no spelling/grammatical errors.
Preparedness / Student came to class or computer class unprepared or did not accomplish any of the assigned material. / Student came to class/computer class 2 -3 days with no assigned material or did not complete required tasks. / All assignments are done on time. Student utilized his/her time to complete each task in the time given. / All assignments are done 1 -2 days early. Student utilized his/her time to complete each tasks in a timely manner.

Comments: ______

______

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You have successfully completed your investigative work and are now an experienced entomologist in your classroom. You have learned about an insect and a butterfly through research, created an acrostic poem, and constructed a “Squash” style book report. Great detective work!