Send students on a specimen collecting field trip around the school yard or the neighborhood. Arm students with lidded jars and nets in order to collect butterflies, moths, crickets and other insects. After students have returned, ask them to study their insect, draw a picture of it and use a magnifying glass to see the specimen up close. Direct students to use a reference book to look up more information about their insect which they can present to the class.
Plan a field trip to a museum that has an insect collection. Prime students for the field trip by showing them pictures and providing information about the specific types of insects they will be viewing. Make a list of questions for students to answer while at the museum, such as what area of the world a specific butterfly can be found. Ask museum staff for help in compiling questions, as many museums have materials available for educators that will enhance the field trip experience.
Some insects are valuable for gardeners and farmers. Take students on a field trip to a local garden center or nursery. Prearrange for a staff member to address students about the virtues of certain types of insects and how they help gardeners. Instruct students to bring a notebook and pen to take notes and draw pictures of flowers or plants they observe on the field trip. Encourage them to draw a picture of the insects that are attracted to or beneficial to each specific plant.
Consider taking students on a virtual field trip to enhance insect studies. Choose web sites that feature insects from various parts of the world and sites that are specific to the insects the class has studied. Allow children to search through the sites on their own, or do it together as a class. Another insect-related field trip is to a bug zoo. Research your area to see if there is a bug zoo nearby. The bug zoo will introduce children to various types of insects and bugs and allow the students to see the insects in their natural environment.