Family and Homeschool Activities: Insects

These family and homeschool activities are designed to complement the Insects topic on BrainPOP Jr.

How My Garden Grows

If possible, grow flowers, vegetables, or other plants with your child. If growing a garden isn’t possible, you can create an outdoor window box by cutting up milk cartons or jugs. Have your child observe the plants as they grow and learn which insects are harmful and beneficial to the plant. For example, aphids might hurt the plant’s leaves, but ladybugs will eat aphids and control the aphid population to help keep the plant healthy. Research other plants that lure beneficial insects to your home garden. If possible, grow the plants in your garden or window box. How might farmers use insects to keep their crops healthy? Discuss with your child.

Extreme Insects

Remind your child that insects are found on every continent. As cold-blooded animals, insects have special ways to control their body temperatures. How does an insect survive the snowy Arctic winters? Have your child predict how an insect might survive extreme weather. Research insects that live in extreme climates, such as hot, arid deserts and the freezing tundra. What adaptations do the insects have? Your child can create insect cards and draw pictures and write facts about each specimen.