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Information for Teachers
Our Mission: Science Literacy Through Insect Inquiry!
At the OSU Insect Adventure, we strive to complement the learning process with lessons and activities in our live bug and insect zoo. Many of our presentations correlate with Oklahoma's P.A.S.S. standards, supplementing teachers' science classroom instruction. We look forward to seeing you soon! Our exciting, activity-filled program helps students develop scientific awareness, deepens their understanding, and motivates them to participate in science without ever opening a textbook.
| Grade | PASS Category | PASS Objective Standards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Science Process and Inquiry |
1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 4.1, 4.3 |
| 2 |
Science Process and Inquiry |
1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1-3.4, 4.1, 4.3 |
| 3 |
Science Process and Inquiry |
1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1-3.4, 4.1, 4.3 |
| 4 |
Science Process and Inquiry |
1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1-3.4 |
| 5 |
Science Process and Inquiry |
1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, |
| 6 |
Science Process and Inquiry |
2.1, 2.2 |
| 7 |
Science Process and Inquiry |
2.1, 2.2 |
| 8 |
Science Process and Inquiry |
2.1, 2.2 |
| High School |
Science Process and Inquiry-Physical Science |
2.1, 2.2 |
** Please keep in mind that the Insect Adventure depends on presentation income, donations, and grants to function. There are many ways to raise the funds required to get the bug zoo to your event! If you need help,please explore the options below:
You can request funding from organizations such as: banks, PTA Associations, Educational Field Trip Grants, local stores, and County Extension Offices.
If you need help writing a grant, Dr. Shufran (andrine@okstate.edu) would be happy to provide you a short write-up of why the Insect Adventure would be a great opportunity to benefit your event.
Also consider trying bake sales and other private fundraising functions!
Insect Adventure Goals
We want your students to:
- Be excited, interested, and motivated about insects.
- Understand, remember, and explain science facts related to insects.
- Question and observe the natural world of insects.
- Identify themselves as science learners who may contribute to science.
- Learn that insects are important and fascinating and not to be feared
Before Your Visit
In preparation for your visit, we want to answer any questions or concerns you may have, and assist you in preparing your class for a fun-filled day of learning and activities. Please let the students form their own opinions about the creatures they’ll be seeing and touching. Please do not describe your upcoming insect adventure as “creepy,” “scary,” or “yucky.” Try to refrain from passing on any personal myths, fears, or misconceptions.
Preparing Your Students
We ask that teachers (and chaperones) explain a few things to students prior to visiting the insect zoo.
NOTE: No one is required to handle our special creatures.
Let your youth know that they will be able to touch many of our creatures.The creatures youth will be able to touch will NOT be dangerous. All participants will need to:
- Treat the animals gently
- Practice kindness by not teasing or intimidating classmates
- Be respectful of the presenter
- Have fun!!
Some things to talk about afterwards:
- Develop theories about insect behavior and ecology using what, who, why, how questions.
- Teachers share facts about interesting insect behavior and relate to the impact on humans and the environmental systems on the planet.
- Coloration
- Warning
- Camouflage
- Mimicry
- Mating
- Body design and structure
- Prevent desiccation
- Defense from enemies
- Flight
- Smelling bad
- Speed
- Hopping
- Mimicry
- Feeding
- Prey versus predator
- Ecological services and the many roles of insects
- Pollination
- Nitrogen cycling
- Soil aeration
- Food web
- Decomposition
- Beneficial insects versus crop pests
- Insect products
- Honey, wax, royal jelly
- Silk
- Cochineal dye
- Shellac
- Cosmetics
- Insect-vectored diseases
- Human
- Animal
- Plant
