Both classes of first and second-grade students are beginning the school year investigating insects in our forests. Xanthe's class recently spent a few sunny mornings in the forest collecting insects using "pooters." Students determined that all insects have six legs but that not every six-legged arthropod is an insect. It was helpful to find bugs that were not insects to refine the definition of an insect.
Students then looked more closely at the physical characteristics of insects and some of the adaptations that help insects survive. Some of the questions students asked based on their observations were:
Why do beetles have hairs (setae) on their legs?
Why are insects different colors?
Why are insects small?
Why are there so many insects?
Their study of insects continued with a visit from Falmouth Land Trust Educator, Rebecca Dugan, who led students on a hike through Underwood Springs Forest. Students looked for signs of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), and its presence on Ash trees on the property. Using paper strips, Rebecca demonstrated how invasive species take hold in an ecosystem.
We look forward to hearing more from these curious first and second-grade students as their observations lead to more learning.