Date: February 15, 2000

Grade Level(s): 7, 8, 9

Subject(s):

• Science/Entomology
• Science/Technology

Description: The students use the Internet in order to find classifications for a certain number of insects. After retrieving information, the students organize the pictures and information into a book project. This helps the students learn how to use the Internet, classify insects, and organize the information so that it makes sense.

Goals: The students will be able to use the Internet independently and have knowledge of classification in order to complete a more difficult, independent assignment later in the month.

Objectives: The students will be able to surf the World Wide Web/Internet and classify 12 different insects.

Materials:

• construction Paper/old photo albums
• stapler/yarn/hole puncher
• one computer per student and teacher
• folder for each student

Introduction:

Have the students turn on the computers and connect to the Internet. Once everyone has completed this task successfully, explain to the class how to use the different search engines. Tell them to try it by themselves for a little while. While the students are doing this, walk around the room to make sure everyone is doing it correctly. Next, tell the class to search the Web for images of 12 different insects and to print the images. Don't forget to tell your class to note the name of the insects. Once everyone has done this, class time will probably be running out of time, so have everyone put their pictures in their own folder.
The next day, have the students connect to the Internet again. This time, tell them to search the Internet for the Kingdom, Species, and Class of each insect. Tell the class that if they need help searching the Web, to raise their hands and you will help them.
Once everyone in the class has completed this, have them construct a book. There are three ways to create a book:

Construction Paper Book:

Have the students pick out 14 pieces of Construction paper. Tell the students to pile the paper together in the order they would like their book. Tell them to (1) use a hole puncher to make three holes on the left hand side of the pile of paper, and then tie the paper together with yarn through the holes. Demonstrate this so the class does not become confused. (2) Instead of using hole punches and yarn, the students can staple the book together on the left side.

Photo Album Book:

You should tell the class ahead of time that if they would rather use a photo album for their book, they should bring one in from home. However, have some old photo albums available if you can.
Show the class how to cover the photo album with a paper bag/wrapping paper and saran wrap. This will help to preserve the book. Make sure you tell the students to decorate the bag before putting the saran wrap on it.

Assignment once the books have been prepared:

Tell the students to create a book of their insects. On the left page, they should put the picture of the insect, and on the right page, they should put the information about the insect (Kingdom, Species, Class). Tell the students to decorate the cover of the book. If it is a photo album, the students should put a cover on it, such as a paper bag, and they will also be able to decorate their book. Also, don't forget to tell the students to put their name on the inside of the back of the book if it is a photo album, or, on the back of the book for construction paper books.

Assessment:

Assessment will be done by the accuracy and validity of the book project. Also, the project will be assessed by citations of Internet addresses, and how much effort the students seemed to have given towards the project.