After teaching this lesson your class will be able to identify the stages of the life cycle of an insect. This lesson plan can be taught in an insect unit, or it can be taught on its own.

Materials

• The Life Cycle of a Ladybug by Ruth Thomson or The Life Cycle of a Beetle by Molly Aloian
• Poster board—half sheet per student
• Crayons/markers
• Various art materials
• Scissors
• Glue or glue sticks
• Insect pictures
• Life cycle labels for assessment
• Construction paper

Prior Knowledge

Show students the pictures of the insects that you brought in. Ask students to name the insects.

Teach

You can use either book mentioned above to read to your students. Show students the cover of the book you have chosen to use with your class. Have them name the insect on the cover and make a prediction about the book. Read the book to your class, stopping to discuss what is going on in the book. Be sure to point out the stages in the life cycle of the insect.

After you have finished reading, review the stages of the life cycle that are in the book. List them on the chalkboard or on chart paper. Talk about the characteristics of each stage. A great way to reinforce understanding is to divide students into groups. Have students act out the stages of the life cycle.

Procedure

Before doing this lesson, it is a good idea to make a poster to use as an example. Be sure to make the poster three dimensional.

Explain that today students will be creating a life cycle poster. Explain to students that the posters should be three dimensional. Show them the example that you created. Pass out the poster board, markers, and art materials. Some excellent art materials to use include pom poms, pipe cleaners, and pieces of sequins.

Have students write the name of each stage and illustrate it. Have the life cycle go in a circular pattern with an arrow in between each stage. Depending on the age group doing this lesson, you can even have students write a brief description of each stage of the insect life cycle. Allow students to get creative as they make their posters.

Assess

Before you complete this assessment, you will need to type out the stages of an insect’s life cycle in random order. Each student will need a copy.

Pass out the life cycle label sheet along with construction or notebook paper, scissors and glue. Have students cut out each stage and glue it onto the paper in the correct order. It is up to you if you want them to write a description or illustrate the stages of the life cycle.

Extend

Continue to teach about insects by going on to habitat and diet.

Teach about life cycles of other animals. Some wonderful choices would include teaching about the life cycle of a frog or a crab.