The educational insect activities below will help develop writing, research, biology
and computer skills. Our word searches also contain interesting, educational facts
about bugs.
Activity #1: Not Just a Bug Word Search
In this insect game, students find answers to questions like: What does "forage"
mean? How do you define an "arachnid?" Break the classroom into groups and have them
look up and explain to the class what these terms describe. Then give them time
to complete the word search. Each sheet also has a "Did You Know?" section
with interesting trivia.
Activity #2: Bug Tales
Have your students co-author a short, illustrated book on the adventures of their
favorite bug or rodent. Encourage them to be as creative as they want, but demand
accuracy in descriptions of behavior and habitat.
In addition to enhancing their writing and science skills, this activity is designed
to put their research and computer skills to the test. Have students use the Terminix
Pest Library to find out more about the bug or rodent they want to write about.
Activity #3: Living Habitats
One of the most memorable ways for students to learn about bugs is to be able to
observe them in action! There are many kits that you can order that include live
bugs. There’s no better way to witness the metamorphosis of a ladybug or burrowing
of an ant community. Here are just a few links to websites that offer these kits:
Activity #4: Ready, and... action!
Your students are entomologists and have been asked to write a 45-second commercial
for The Weather Channel on
how weather will affect pests in the area this upcoming season. As a reference,
they can use the Pests and Weather
section at Terminix.com.
They will need a script and props, and they must go into detail about at least one
common pest of the season. They need to time their presentations beforehand, so
the commercial is exactly 45 seconds. They should introduce themselves as entomologists
at the beginning and end the commercial with a common out cue like, "You’re
watching The Weather Channel."
On the day of the presentations, bring a video camera and show them their commercials
when they’re done.