Insect Collection

You can find insects across all terrestrial ecosystems of the world. There are more species of insect than any of type of organism on the planet. In fact, there are more insects than all of the other animals (cnidarians, worms, mollusks, arthropods, echinoderms, and vertebrates combined!)

You will need a few simple containers, alcohol and a freezer to complete the collection. You will capture at least 20 different types of insect each representing a different species.  Don't know what insects are? Check out this page from Orkin.com.

In October, you will use LEAD time to classify and organize your collection. 

Quick Start Guide

When you find an insect for your collection you will need to kill it. 

Collection containers needed

• Alcohol Jar - use an old jar such as a peanut butter or mayonnaise container

  • be sure to wash the container thoroughly 

  • add a few (3-5) inches of rubbing alcohol. Place any insect you find in this jar EXCEPT butterflies or moths

• Plastic container with a lid - use a margarine or whipped topping container

  • be sure to wash the container

  • place inside any butterflies or moths

  • put tub in freezer to preserve the specimen (for at least a week before bringing them to school)

Note in a notebook or digital document

• date of the capture

• place of the capture

• use a digital camera (such as your phone) to document the insect

Grading

Insect Collection

• 20 points (20 or more different species)

• 10 points (19-15 different species)

• 5 points (14-10 different species)

• 0 points (9-1 different species)

Classification

Grouping by Order (placing specimens in to the appropriate order)

• 20 points (all species placed correctly)

• 10 points (19-15 species placed correctly)

• 5 points (14-10 species placed correctly)

• 0 points (9-1 species placed correctly)

Naming Distinct Species with scientific name

• 20 points (at least 10 species named correctly)

• 10 points (9 or 8 species named correctly)

• 5 points (7 or 6 species named correctly)

• 0 points (5 or fewer species placed correctly)

Extra Credit

How to apply these points to a test in October... 

Use the scale below to reveal the extra credit to be applied to a test in October.