Interesting Insects

Summary
An introduction to the Class Insecta including general body plan, method of gas exchange/circulation, metamorphosis, and benefits/harm to humans.

Objectives
• Students will identify insects based on the general characteristics of insect bodies.

• Students will define the components of the insect gas exchange system.

• Students will know terminology related to metamorphosis.

• Students will discuss the benefits/harm as related to insect-human relationships.

Suggested Grades
4th Grade
5th Grade
6th Grade

Excerpt
Insects belong to a special class of arthropods called Insecta. This class has more different kinds of species than all other life forms combined, including an estimated 500,000 different kinds of beetles. Although there is great variety among insects, some characteristics are common to them all. Insects are usually characterized by a body divided into three sections.

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