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The twelve insects described in our ‘Insect Index’ have been chosen from the several thousands of insect species in Britain as common and recognizable representatives of the main insect orders, illustrating a variety of behaviour and life-cycles in different habitats. This part of the web site is mainly intended for primary-school teachers of Key Stages 1 and 2, Years 2 to 6, though some of the ‘Insect Index’ information may also be relevant to Key Stage 3 Science (e.g. the Year 8 unit on Ecological Relationships in the QCA scheme in England). The information provided on the twelve insects in our ‘Insect Index’ should be suitable for children in Years 5 or 6 and above, but we hope it can also be used as a teachers’ resource for Years 2 to 4. From the links below, you can: access ‘printer-friendly’ versions of illustrated information on the twelve insects in our ‘Insect Index’; download recording forms for ‘species-spotting’ or for more advanced observations on numbers, behaviour and environment; or view some ideas on how the ‘Insect Index’ information can be used to illustrate science topics in primary schools (especially in relation to specific Units in the QCA Primary Science scheme for England).
We would value feedback from Primary Schools on the usefulness of this information and on how we might improve it for National Insect Week 2005! Did you devise a successful class activity based on this information? If so, please tell us about it. Points to note: Throughout the linked pages, we have assumed that all teachers using this information will be familiar with QCA/ACCAC/CCEA/SQA guidance and their own LEA/school guidelines on health (handling plants, animals, soil, etc), safety (e.g. on off-site visits, especially to aquatic habitats), and care not to harm the insects themselves nor cause significant disturbance to their environment. Credits |
