Insects (non-statutory)
I can identify and name insects and describe their common features.
Insects (non-statutory)
I can identify and name insects and describe their common features.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- An insect is a small animal that has six jointed legs, and typically one or two pairs of wings
- Insects have three parts to their segmented bodies (head, thorax, and abdomen) and a pair of antennae
- Insects are invertebrates (have no backbone) and have an external shell (exoskeleton)
- Common insects are ants, flies, butterflies, and beetles
Common misconception
Pupils may think that all small creatures, or ‘minibeasts’, are insects.
Explain that an animal is only an insect if it has the characteristics of insects. Use lots of examples and non-examples to make this clear.
Keywords
Insect - An insect is an invertebrate animal that lays eggs and has antennae, six legs and a body divided into three segments.
Antennae - Antennae are a pair of long, sensory organs on the heads of insects.
Segmented - Something that is segmented is in segments or sections.
Invertebrate - An invertebrate is an animal that does not have a spine or backbone.
Exoskeleton - An exoskeleton is an external (outer) skeleton or shell that supports and protects an animal’s body.
Equipment
Salt dough or plasticine, hand lenses, magnifiers, pooters
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
- Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
