Butterflies and Moths - PedagoNet

What is an Insect?Lesson OneAges Primary and IntermediateObjective: Students will understand the characteristics of insectsMaterials:Picture of beetles (Figure 1)Picture of human skeleton (Figure 2)Suggested approach:Ask the children “What is an insect?” Listen to their responses. Explain to them that insectshave several major characteristics:Part 1Insects do not have an internal skeleton but instead have a hard outer covering called anexoskeleton. This exoskeleton is made up of a series of overlapping segments, allowingflexible motion.Show the children a picture of a skeleton (see attached sheet). Explain to them that peoplehave bones like this inside of them and that all these bones make up a skeleton. Ourskeleton is important because it supports our body and anchors our muscles. Without itwe could not stand or move. We would just be a pile of mush. Insects are not like people.They do not have bones. Their skeleton is on the outside of their body. This hard shell iscalled an exoskeleton. Have the children say the word “exoskeleton.”Show the children a picture of a beetle (see attached sheet). See the exoskeleton? Thishard shell helps protect the insect’s body and organs. Think of a football helmet or a bicyclehelmet. These helmets work like an exoskeleton because they protect what’s inside.Part 2Insects are in a group of animals called arthropods. The word arthropod is a Greek wordthat means “jointed feet.” Insects also have six jointed legs. People have joints too. Ajoint is the place where two bones come together. Bend your arm at the elbow. Now pointto your elbow. This is a joint. Joints allow your body to bend and move. Can you think ofanother joint? Your knee is another joint. People have joints in their legs just like insects.Florida Museum of Natural History http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu 7