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Create your own insect

Who doesn’t like using food for science? After completing a unit on insects, end with allowing students to make their own out of food products. Remind them that they should make their insect scientifically correct (3 body parts, 6 legs)—if you are using this as an assessment, you might not want to give too many details. Things to include for them to build with are:

• marshmallows
• flat toothpicks and/or thin pretzel sticks
• fruit rollups (good for wings)
• raisins
• various small candies, such as cinnamon hots or mini chocolate chips
• frosting (acts as a glue—or you can have them coat their insect with it as an “exoskeleton”—pass out popsicle sticks to spread with)
• If this sounds too messy, you can also have students create insects with recyclable odds and ends, such as empty egg cartons, film canisters, and water bottle lids.