Insect Garden Project

Developed by: Cathy Oldham

Summary: The students will plant and care for a garden which will provide an environment for common insects for student observation. The students will release Painted Lady butterflies, Praying Mantis, and Ladybugs into the habitat for observation.

Connection to the Curriculum: This module allows students to investigate and evaluate information about their environment. The students will use their senses to observe changes in their environment and in the fife cycles of insects in a natural setting. Students will explain the basic needs of living organisms and their dependence on each other.

TEKS Alignment: K.1 A-E; K.4B; K.5 A-B: K.6 A-D; K.7 A-D; K.8 A-B; K.9 A-C; K.10 A, B
 
Time: 1 hour each week for garden maintenance and observation

Season: Late winter through early summer

Materials:

Topsoil
Mulch
5 Ladybug kits (adults)
5 Praying Mantis egg cases
5 Painted lady caterpillar live kits
5 Butterfly houses
Butterfly feeder (donated by teacher)
Butterfly house
Assorted annual and perennial plants
Seeds
Plant starter cubes
Trellis (for vines)
Assorted garden tools
Child safe hand lenses for observation
log with saucer for water source

Objectives:

• The learner will learn about the stages of plant development.
• The learner will observe and record changes in the growth of the garden from the beginning to the end of the year .
• The learner will observe and describe proper1ies of rocks, soil, and water.
• The learner will observe the life cycle of insects in the classroom.
• The learner will observe weather changes and life cycles of living organisms (insects).
• The learner will name beneficial insects in their environment.
• The learner will describe the food chain and the importance insects have in it.

Procedures:

1. Students will prepare and plant the garden. They will help to water and maintain it throughout the school term.

2. Students will germinate plants in the classroom. These plants will be transplanted into the garden when it is the correct temperature. Care will be taken to protect the fragile stems when transplanting.

3. Students will record and write about plant growth in the garden in a garden journal.

4. The students will observe the life cycle of Painted Lady butterflies from caterpillar to adult. When the plants are blooming to provide food for the butterflies, they will be released into the school garden. Water will be provided.

5. Students will hatch Praying Mantis from egg cases in early spring. These babies will be kept in the classroom for observation until the weather is warm enough for the insects, outdoors. Hand lenses will be used to observe the Mantis's growth.

6. The students will learn about the life cycle of the Ladybug. Live Ladybugs will be released into the school garden with the Mantis to become natural predators of unwanted insects. We will stress the importance of natural gardening without harmful chemicals to the environment. Tell how these insects are beneficial insects.

7. By observing insects in the garden, the child will tell how insects are important in the food chain of our school ecosystem.

8. Students will watch the Reading Rainbow Tape about Honeybees. They will tell how honey is made and what it is used for. Students will build their own honeybee with art materials and make honey snacks to eat in the classroom.

9. Students will observe the garden weekly for growth and changes in plants, and insects. This will be recorded in their garden journals. Common insects will be drawn in the journal. What new insects did we find? Use resources to name any new examples found.

Questions

What is an Insect?

What are the 3 major parts of an insect?

What are the stages of insect development?

What are the basic needs of living organisms?

What are the names of 5 common insects found in the garden? Why did we plant a garden?

What have you learned about plants and caring for plants?

Evaluation:

Students will tell what they have learned about the garden and the insects living in it. They will tell about beneficial insects in the environment and how they help us. Student journal writings, art projects, pictures will be used to create a multi-media presentation.

Expanding the Lesson:

Food Chains
Ecosystems
Make Mother's Day Presents from dried flowers grown in the garden
Open House (Invite parents and community to visit our garden)

Resources:

Texas A&M Educational Outreach http://entowww.tamu.edu/extension/youth/

http://www.entowww.tamu.edu/academic/ucourses/ento489

University of Kentucky Entomology

http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/Entomologv/vthfacts/entvouth.htm

Project WILD (National Wildlife Federation)

Junior Master Gardener Handbook