Bug Scavenger Hunt
OBJECTIVE
Students will be able to find bugs in the garden
Students will be able to notice the places bugs like to live
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
Which bugs live in our garden?
MATERIALS NEEDED
Plates for displaying bugs
Magnifying glasses
Large Tupperware for collecting bugs
PROCEDURE
Introduction
Tell students that we will be going on a scavenger hunt and ask students to explain what this is. The treasure we will be searching for is BUGS in the garden. Discuss where bugs like to live and where they might find the bugs (on the ground, under the soil, under rocks, flying around) Discuss what types of bugs they might find. Show them the container for putting bugs into. Demonstrate how to safely handle a bug.
Activity
Let students explore the garden to look for different bugs. Have them collect specimens and put into a communal container.
Be available to turn over large rocks, move heavy planters and fill them in on the name of a specific bug they might be curious about. Otherwise, let them take this time to independently engage with the space and project.
Wrap Up/ Assessment
Sit down in a circle with the bug specimens. Hand out magnifying glasses for children to inspect what they have found.
Take the bugs out one at a time and put onto the plate. For example, take out some of the roly polys, place on the place and pass around the circle. Ask students if they can name the bug and if they know what the bug’s job is in the garden. Ask them for observations of the bugs as they pass them around.
FOLLOW UP & EXTENSIONS
- Read A Good Place by Lucy Cousins
- Read The Fairy Garden by Isabella Mazzanti
- Pest and Pollinator Game