Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan: Think Safe! Be Safe!

Length of sessions:

Four or more 20 minute sessions
Two 30 minute sessions
One 40 minute session

Introduction Activity (30 minute session)
Read and show pictures from: Find the Hidden Insect by Joanna Cole and Jerome Wexler; Nature Hide and Seek Jungles by John Wood; How to Hide a Butterfly by Ruth Heller or Who's Hiding Here? by Yoshi. Discuss what the insects in the book did to protect themselves and what the insects are protecting themselves from (being eaten by predators, heat, cold, etc.,). (In The Pond can be used for discussion about what insects need to protect themselves from predators.) Discuss or have students draw other ways in which insects and animals protect themselves (biting, stinky spray, running, kicking, hopping, etc.,). Introduce pillbugs and grasshoppers as animals that need to protect themselves. Brainstorm how a grasshopper or pillbug could protect itself. Teacher records on butcher paper.

Activity 1 & 2(Two 20 minute sessions)
Review Introduction's brainstorming and predictions about insect self-protection, predators and prey, and the pillbugs and grasshoppers. Discuss the correct way to handle the insects and what to watch for (see Information Sheet). In groups, the students will hold and observe the pillbug. The students discuss and draw two things that they think the pillbug needs to be protected from and what it does to protect itself (use Activity Sheet). Next, the teacher or the adult assistant with the groups will hold a grasshopper and repeat the student observation, discussion and drawing. (Use white paper to "blot" the grasshoppers mouth if you cannot see spit). Wash carefully where spit contacts skin. Observe what techniques the insects use to protect themselves. If the insects or pillbugs are not responding, let the animals rest one day (refer to Information Sheets for more information). Students will discuss and draw one or two self protection actions that the arthropods use (use Activity Sheet).

Each group will share their pictures and explain to the class what the arthropods did, what they thought the insect needed protection from and why. Part of the students' presentations could include students play acting how the arthropods protected themselves. For example, one student acts as a predator while the other one is the pillbug rolling up or a grasshopper hopping

Optional
Play "The Thicket Game" from Project Wild, elementary guide(see bibliography for information).
Activity 3(20 minute session)
Read Little Red Riding Hood, Lon Po Po by Ed Young (a Chinese version of the story), or retell a variation of Little Red Riding Hood with modern dangers including cold weather, busy streets, neighbors' yards and swimming pools or lakes. Discuss the different dangers in the stories and have the students draw one of the dangers. Brainstorm ways that the students protect themselves and stay safe. Discuss things such as why we have rules and what things we need to be safe from. Teacher records on butcher paper.

Activity 4(30 minute session)
Read The Three Little Pigs, Bimwili and the Zimui by Verna Aardema or Molly in Danger by Anne Carter. Discuss what the characters did or did not do to protect themselves. Brainstorm what the characters could have done to protect themselves. What can you do to protect yourself? (Don't talk to strangers, don't answer the door to strangers when I am home alone, etc.) Teacher records on butcher paper. Have the students draw how they can protect themselves from the danger they drew in Activity 3.

Activity 5(30 minute session)
Review the discussion and drawings from Activity 3 and 4. Compare and contrast ways people and insects protect themselves; i.e., children have adults to help them, do insects? Do insects need lifeguards at swimming pools? Do insects have police? Why do we have life guards and police?

Closure Activity(20 minute session)
Begin teaching the song "Pillbugs Roll Up" or the "Insect and Human Safety Song." Take a walk (or discuss) around the school to have students point out places around the school where they need to be careful or ask for help from someone (i.e. crossing the street, places to trip if you are running, places where older students hang out that might make you feel uncomfortable, not leaving the school with strangers, etc.) Make up additional verses to the song with information you came up with during your discussions or your walk around the school. Use other insect examples like "bees can sting me, ants can too; thatÕs how they defend their home; I stepped on their house."

Lesson Intro Set-up Lesson Plans Additions
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