Teaching with Live Insects

Autor/inn/en	Fisher, Nicole; Lorenz-Reaves, Amanda
Titel	Teaching with Live Insects
Quelle	In: Science and Children, 56 (2018) 4, S.32-39 (8 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0036-8148
Schlagwörter	Science Instruction; Entomology; Teaching Methods; Montessori Method; Negative Attitudes; Student Attitudes; Ecology; Elementary School Science; Experiential Learning + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Teaching of science; Science education; Natural sciences Lessons; Naturwissenschaftlicher Unterricht; Entomologie; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Montessori pedagogics; Montessori-Pädagogik; Negative Fixierung; Schülerverhalten; Ökologie; Experiental learning; Erfahrungsorientiertes Lernen
Abstract	Insects are extremely important for maintaining the natural environment, performing such essential ecosystem services as decomposition, dung burial, and soil aeration, as well as providing food for other wildlife. Insects are also important for human interests such as crop pollination. Though the advantages of using insects as teaching tools are well-recognized (Matthews, Flage, and Matthews 1997; University of Arizona 1997), insects are under-utilized for instruction in K-12 classrooms. In this article, the authors present an example of a "Next Generation Science Standards"-aligned unit that promotes hands-on experience with the insect world. They worked with three 3/4 split Montessori type classrooms. To help minimize student discomfort, none of the lesson plans outlined in this article requires students to physically touch or handle the insects, though they are certainly encouraged to do so. In addition, all of the insects that the authors suggest are nonbiting, nonflying, and docile. One of the challenges that persists in insect education is overcoming initial negative attitudes. Negative attitudes toward insects are common and widespread and can contribute to students' general discomfort in nature (Bixler et al. 1994). Providing opportunities for positive experiences may help mediate these negative responses. (ERIC).
Anmerkungen	National Science Teachers Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: http://www.nsta.org
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01