Backyard Bugs
Sample Lesson Plans
Sample lesson plans offer suggested ideas for using Backyard Bugs with students. The sample lesson plans include science journal pages that teachers and students can use as a guide through the virtual backyard. Allowing students time to freely explore the software while using the sample lesson plans develops the students' inquiry skills.Teachers may choose lessons or insects to emphasize the broad variety of bugs, or focus on a specific insect, habitat, or lifestyle. Teachers are encouraged to adapt the Backyard Bugs lesson plans to fit their specific needs.
Each sample lesson plan includes:
Scientific Background – This description gives a brief overview of the scientific background necessary to teach the lesson.
Vocabulary – This is a list of vocabulary words used in the specific lesson. A Glossary is available as a pdf file and also within the software. It contains definitions and pronounciations for Backyard Bugs vocabulary words.
Thinking Questions – Each lesson includes one or more example questions that can be used to spark critical thinking and to encourage students to go beyond factual responses with their descriptions and explanations.
Exploratory and Extension Activities – These activities are intended to capture interest and to engage students in science. They are one way to set the stage for using Backyard Bugs software. Other cross-curricular activities can be found in the Across the Curriculum Using Backyard Bugs section of the Teacher Guide.
Level 1 Lessons
Level 2 Lessons
© 2006 Kinder Magic Software
