Make Your Own Bug!6th grade Science Lab

Pre-Lab Background InformationInsects have a hard outer shell (or skeleton) we call an exoskeleton. Their

bodies are divided into three main sections (the head, thorax, and abdomen). They have 6 legs (3 pairs), 2 antennae, and 2 eyes. Many insects have wings. Some insects have simple eyes, although many have compound eyes. Examples of insects are: Beetles, ants, flies, mantis, and grasshoppers.

Insects belong to a group of animals called arthropods. Some arthropods don’t have what it takes to be an insect. Crustaceans (crabs, lobsters and shrimp), arachnids (spiders, scorpions, and mites), millipedes, and centipedes are arthropods but they are NOT insects.

Insects have adapted in certain ways to increase their chances of survival in the wild. An adaptation is a special skill or characteristic that helps an animal survive in its environment. An adaptation may help an animal hunt, hide, or attract a mate.

Some insects have the ability to lift an incredible amount of weight. You have may have seen ants carry pieces of dirt or sand that are bigger than they are! This is why insects have a much higher strength to size ratio as compared to humans. If humans were as strong as insects, we could lift cars with no trouble.

Example: Bug’s EyesBACKGROUND• You have been assigned to design the bug’s eyes. Look at the information

below to help with your design.• • It is of course impossible for humans to perceive what an insect sees. But

we think that a compound eye, consisting of 2 to 30 000 lenses will project a sort of mosaic picture. In most cases the compound eyes will see only form and movements, but the dragonfly who has to catch his prey in flight, undoubtedly must have a detailed view of his near surroundings. With its two enormous compound eyes, each made of 30 000 lenses and the additional single eyes, the dragonfly is very well adapted to its predatory and active life.

PROCEDURES• Sketch what your insect’s eyes design will look like• Now use your assigned clay color to build a model of your insect’s eyes.• Once everyone has completed their part, put your insect together!

Example: Bug’s AntenaeBACKGROUND• You have been assigned to design the bug’s antennae. Look at the

information below to help with your design.

• The antennae are a pair of sense organs located near the front of an insect's head capsule. Although commonly called "feelers", the antennae are much more than just tactile receptors. They are usually covered with olfactory receptors that can detect odor molecules in the air (the sense of smell). Many insects also use their antennae as humidity sensors, to detect changes in the concentration of water vapor. Mosquitoes detect sounds with their antennae, and many flies use theirs to gauge air speed while they are in flight.

PROCEDURES• Sketch what your insect’s antennae design will look like• Now use your assigned clay color to build a model of your insect’s

antennae.• Once everyone has completed their part, put your insect together!

Example: Data AnalysisDATA ANALYSISAnswer the following questions about your insect antennae design.

• What is the function of your insect’s antennae?• ____________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

• What is unique about your insect antennae design?• ____________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________• What survival advantages would your insect antennae design provide?• ____________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

CONCLUSION• Sketch your group’s final completed bug model

Pictures from Class

Students working on their bug

Another group’s bug

Another bug

Pictures from the Internet of other “Make Your Own Bug” projects

http://trmom.com/2010/04/make-your-own-bug/

http://www.amazon.com/Make-Your-Own-Magnifying-Glasses/dp/B005G6TQEE

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28416519@N05/2722924040/