Bug Safari

In this captivating presentation, learners will embark on a journey to discover invertebrates from diverse environments around the globe. They will explore the fascinating world of these creatures by learning about their unique characteristics, habitats, and the crucial roles they play in our ecosystems. Through engaging visuals and live demonstrations, students will delve into the importance of invertebrates, understanding their impact on the environment and their contributions to biodiversity.

By the end of the presentation, learners will have a comprehensive understanding of the significance of invertebrates in our world and an appreciation for their incredible diversity. This enriching experience will inspire curiosity and respect for these often-overlooked creatures, highlighting their essential place in the natural world.

Learning Objectives:

• Awareness: Learners will become aware of the incredible diversity of invertebrates and their unique characteristics.
• Compassion/Empathy: Learners will cultivate a sense of responsibility towards the well-being of invertebrates and their ecosystem.
• Empowerment: Learners will be empowered to make informed decisions for environmental conservation. 

Addressing Misconceptions: One common misconception we will address is that all bugs are insects. Learners will learn about the diverse types of bugs, their unique roles, and how each contributes to the environment in different ways.

Curriculum Standards Supported: 

Colorado Science Standards 

• SC20-GR.MS-S.2-GLE.5 A Organisms and populations of organisms are dependent on their environmental interactions both with other living things and with nonliving 
• SC20-GR.4-S.2-GLE.1 Organisms have both internal and external structures that serve various functions 
• SC20-GR.3-S.2-GLE.4 Some living organisms resemble organisms that once lived on Earth 
• SC20-GR.3-S.2-GLE.3 Different organisms vary in how they look and function because they have different inherited information; the environment also affects the traits that an organism develops 
• SC20-GR.2-S.2-GLE.2 A range of different organisms lives in different places
• SC20-GR.1-S.2-GLE.1 All organisms have external parts that they use to perform daily functions 
• SC20-GR.K-S.2-GLE.1 To live and grow, animals obtain food they need from plants or other animals, and plants need water and light 

Next Generation Science Standards 

• K-ESS3-1 Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals and the places they live 
• 1-LS1-1 Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and /or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow and meet their needs    
• 2-LS4-1 Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats 
• 3-LS4-4 Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change   
• 4-LS1-1 Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior and reproduction 
• 5-LS2-1 Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment 
• MS-LS2-5 Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services