Gettin’ Buggy With It
K-2

Students will learn how and why entomologists and scientists classify living things. Groups will examine and sort a set of specimen blocks then use critical thinking and math skills to create their own classification criteria and then graph their data.

Virtual: $300 per 30-student pack

In-Person: $225 per class

Lab Outline and TEKS

Engage: How do scientists sort organisms? Students uncover why classification is important. 

Explore: Students compare the similarities and differences of real specimens using classification sheets. 

Explain: Students discuss the importance of biodiversity and pollination and discover common backyard bugs. 

Elaborate: Students pick their own classification categories and pair them with basic math to create a bar graph. 

Evaluate: Students share how they sorted and graphed their findings and hear from a real entomologist.

TEKS:
Science TEKS:

K.2A, K.2B, K.2C, K.2D, K.2E, K.3C, K.4A, K.4B, K.5A, K.10A, K.10B

1.2A, 1.2B, 1.2C, 1.2D, 1.2E, 1.3C, 1.4A, 1.4B, 1.5A, 1.10A

2.2A, 2.2B, 2.2C, 2.2D, 2.2E, 2.2F, 2.3C, 2.4A, 2.4B, 2.10A

Math TEKS:

K.1A, K.1C, K.1D, K.2A, K.2B, K.2C, K.6A, K.6F, K.7A, K.8A, 

1.1A, 1.1C, 1.1D, 1.5B, 1.6C, 1.6D, 1.7A, 1.7B, 1.7D, 1.8A, 1.8B, 

2.1A, 2.1C, 2.1D, 2.9A, 2.9D, 2.10A, 2.10B,

Under the Lens
3-5

Students will explore the structures and functions of organisms by observing specimen blocks under a digital microscope to determine how different structures and functions help them survive. Students will use this knowledge to investigate how human-made and natural environmental changes can impact species that live within that ecosystem.

Virtual: $330 per 30-student pack

In-Person: $225 per class

Lab Outline and TEKS

Engage: What’s under that microscope? And why? Students connect the concepts of entomology, structure, function, and habitat. 

Explore: Students learn to use a digital microscope, then observe the structures and functions of real specimens. 

Explain: What did they notice? Students analyze information about their specimens and discuss their findings. 

Elaborate: An environmental disaster! Students investigate different scenarios and determine if their specimens would have survived. 

Evaluate: Students share their survival predictions and hear from an entomology expert about their career.

TEKS:
Science TEKS

3.2A, 3.2B, 3.2C, 3.3C, 3.4A, 3.9C, 3.10A

4.2A, 4.2B, 4.2C, 4.3C, 4.4A, 4.10A

5.2C, 5.2D, 5.3C, 5.4A, 5.9A, 5.9C, 5.10A

Math TEKS

3.1A, 3.1C, 3.1D, 3.8A

4.1A, 4.1C, 4.1D, 4.9A

5.1A, 5.1C, 5.1D,

Bug Inspired Biomimicry
6-8

What’s in the water? Students investigate the importance of water quality and conduct their own testing. Using data from their water samples, students try to solve a water quality mystery. 

Virtual: $360 per 30-student pack

In-Person: $225 per class

Lab Outline and TEKS

Engage: What is biomimicry? Students start to imagine how nature could inspire innovations.

Explore: Using digital microscopes, students magnify specimen slides to reveal insects’ unique structures and functions. 

Explain: Students discover how their specimen slides connect to the latest biomimicry innovations.

Elaborate: Students create a prototype sketch of biomimicry technology inspired by their specimens.

Evaluate: Students pitch their biomimicry inventions to the group and hear from experts in entomology.

TEKS:
Science: 6.1A, 6.4B, 6.1B, 6.2A, 6.2C, 6.2E, 6.3D, 6.4A

7.1A, 7.4B, 7.1B, 7.2A, 7.2C, 7.2E, 7.3D, 7.4A, 7.11A

8.1A, 8.4B, 8.1B, 8.2A, 8.2C, 8.2E, 8.3D, 8.4A 

Technology: 1B, 1C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 6A

Student

• Technology: hands-on experience using cutting-edge digital equipment

• Real Specimens: observe the natural world through acrylic specimen blocks & slides

• Laboratory Skills: formal measuring & recording techniques

Career Focus

• Entomologist

• Biologists