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Wings and Exoskeletons

Bugs are flyers and crawlers, diggers and wigglers! Discover the biology of arthropods and then show insects at their beautiful best in their natural habitats.

  • Grade 4
    Grade 5
    Grade 6
  • 30 to 60 minutes
  • Directions

    1. There are more species of insects than any other animal class in the world. There is so much to learn about these fascinating arthropods, both inside and outside of their bodies. You’ll find that arthropods have hard exteriors called exoskeletons that cover them and that they are the largest group of invertebrates.
    2. Bring out the magnifying glasses and specimens for this science adventure! Students investigate insect and arachnid habitats, anatomy, and nature’s intense coloring.
    3. For the background, use Crayola® Washable Markers to draw realistic insect habitats such as tree branches and leaves, flowers, logs, or rocks.
    4. Enlarge the arthropods as if you were seeing them through a magnifying glass. Remember to keep them anatomically accurate. Draw arthropods on top of background with Washable Markers.
  • Standards






    MATH: Represent and interpret data.





  • Adaptations

    Possible classroom resources include: Meet the Arthropods (Real Kids Real Science Books) by Ellen Doris; The Awesome Book of Bugs by Clizia Gussoni; Dirty Rotten Bugs: Arthropods Unite to Tell Their Side of the Story by Gilles Bonotaux; Bugs Before Time: Prehistoric Insects and Their Relatives by Cathy Camper.

    Arthropods are invertebrates. Challenge students to investigate other invertebrates such as worms, mollusks, and sponges. Compare and contrast the organisms as well as their habitats of choice.

    Students self-select one species to arthropod to create in a diorama habitat. Use Crayola Model Magic to form the body and insert it into the habitat. Write a one-paragraph summary focused on the species. Have a special celebration, "The Arthropod Invasion," when students are introducing their species to classmates.

    Invite students to use their new knowledge of arthropods to create an original, undiscovered insect. It should have the correct anatomy of an insect but can have a unique look. Create a habitat that will support the new insect species.


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