Don’t Bug Me

Students will need the worksheet for the activity. 

Equipment

Recommended group size 2-3:

For the pinning bugs activity (can be done individually), the students will need:

  • A piece of polystyrene foam (just larger than the specimen being pinned)
  • Pins (plain thin metal pins or map pins, no thumb tacks etc)
  • Specimens, we recommend large crickets available from most pet shops (frozen overnight)
  • Optional – binocular microscope for more detailed observations of the specimens.

Preparation (Minimal)

Prior to the day

Purchase crickets (large will have wings to pin) and place them in the freezer at least the day before the activity. 

If you are eager to collect a variety of insect or arachnid specimens yourself simply capture them and place in the freezer. We do not recommend getting students to collect their own specimens.   

On the day

Spread out plastic animals over the floor in the classroom and supply classification chart and scientific names sheets to students.

To speed up the extension task distribution, pre-pin some crickets to pieces of foam with the central pin through the abdomen.

Additional Information

The crickets may have some movement on the foam due to a build up of static electricity. 

We recommend counting out the pins to each student and getting them to check they use or return them all to reduce the chance of pins falling on the floor especially in a carpeted classroom. 

Digital microscopes are an amazing addition to this task, enabling students to get a very close and detailed look at the insects. The microscopes have a screen for easy viewing and work well in groups, they can also be plugged in to a computer and displayed on a smart board for an entire class to see.

Please access this link if you are interested in purchasing digital microscopes similar to the ones brought in for sessions facilitated by the university.