Minibeasts Grasshoppers, Locusts, and Crickets plus answersheet and lesson plan

Jumping into the World of Grasshoppers, Locusts, and Crickets!

Lesson Plan Overview: Jumping Insects for 1st Grade

This engaging lesson plan is designed for 1st graders to explore the fascinating world of grasshoppers, locusts, and crickets. By the end of the lesson, students will learn about these unique insects, understand their jumping abilities, and discover how they produce sounds.

Lesson Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Learn about grasshoppers, locusts, and crickets.
2. Understand how these insects jump and make sounds.
3. Know where crickets have their ears.

Materials Needed:

• Pictures of grasshoppers, locusts, and crickets
• Simple diagram of a cricket’s legs
• Audio recordings of cricket and grasshopper sounds
• Green construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue sticks

Lesson Breakdown:

1. Introduction (5 minutes):

• Show pictures of grasshoppers, locusts, and crickets to the class.
• Ask students if they’ve ever seen or heard these insects.
• Explain that today, we’ll learn about these jumping insects.

2. Jumping Insects Facts (10 minutes):

• Inform students that these insects belong to the group called “orthoptera.”
• Explain how they have strong back legs designed for jumping.
• Demonstrate how far they can jump compared to their size.
• Encourage students to stand up and try jumping like these insects.

3. Insect Sounds (10 minutes):

• Play audio recordings of cricket and grasshopper sounds.
• Explain how crickets produce sounds by rubbing their wings together.
• Invite students to try making “cricket sounds” by rubbing their hands.

4. Cricket Ears (5 minutes):

• Show a simple diagram of a cricket’s legs.
• Point out that crickets have ears located on their front legs.
• Encourage students to point to their own ears and then to their knees for comparison.

5. Craft Activity: Make a Grasshopper (15 minutes):

• Provide each student with green construction paper.
• Assist them in cutting out simple grasshopper shapes.
• Show them how to fold the back legs to make them look ready to jump.
• Allow students to glue their grasshoppers onto background paper.

6. Conclusion (5 minutes):

• Review what we learned about jumping insects.
• Ask students to share one thing they remember about these insects.

Assessment:
Throughout the lesson, observe student participation and understanding. Ask simple questions to check comprehension.

Extension Activities:
If time allows, take students outside to listen for cricket or grasshopper sounds, enhancing their connection to nature.

This lesson plan offers a fun and interactive approach to learning about grasshoppers, locusts, and crickets, making it an excellent addition to your 1st-grade curriculum.

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