University of Michigan
University of Michigan Critter Catalog: Insects
A thorough site that provides a description of the characteristics of insects and then focuses on the insects of southeastern Michigan. Pictures, classification groupings, and sound clips of insects are included.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Biology: Insects
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Discusses characteristics of insects.
Earth Life
Wonderful World of Insects: An Introduction to the 32 Orders of Insects
A very thorough look at the world of insects. This site examines the 32 orders of insects and gives a complete explanation of the characteristics of each order. Text is supplemented with pictures.
University of Arizona
U of Arizona: Using Live Insects in Elem. Classrooms
A collection of twenty lessons with science and math activities that use live insects.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Is It an Insect?
In this activity, students will explore the characteristics of insects by sorting a collection of organisms found in pond water. Students will sort insects from non-insects. Lesson plan includes basic procedure for activity.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Life Science: Insects
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Insects, with over a million described species, are the most diverse group of animals on Earth. They may be found in nearly all environments on the planet. No matter...
A-Z Animals
A Z Animals: Animal Facts: Stick Insect (Phasmatodea)
This entry identifies the defining characteristics of the Phasmatodea, more commonly known as the stick insect.
University of Arizona
Center for Insect Science Education Outreach: Getting to Know You: Meal Worms
Students become connected with nature by handling and caring for another living creature. Focuses on insect care and familiarization with a meal worm.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Life Science: 9.15 Insects
Understand the behaviors, characteristics, and classification of insects.
Michigan Reach Out
Reach Out: What Is an Insect
A thorough lesson plan site that explores the definition and characteristics of an insect. Contains several informative links. Suggests a number of hands on activities.
University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky: Insects All Year
The University of Kentucky provides information and activities about insects for each month of the year. Projects include art and observational activities.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: A Simple Way to Tell Insects Apart
Anika Hazra explains how the features of an insect's mouthparts can help identify which order it belongs to, while also providing clues about how it evolved and what it feeds on.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Life Science: 9.16 Insect Food
See how insects get food, and what they eat to survive.
Regents of the University of Michigan
Animal Diversity Web: Class Insecta
The Animal Diversity Web surveys the general characteristics of the insect class and features such topics as habitat, anatomy, body systems, reproduction, and development.
Other
The Bug Club: Bug Pets
The Bug Club for young entomologists offers answers to insect questions, a colorful newspaper, and invertebrate caresheets if you're interested in keeping bugs as pets.
Other
Little Giraffes: Insects
Insect activities for early elementary students are pictured and described on this resource.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating Insects in Nature
In this lab, students will collect insects while making close observations of living things. They will then classify insects into seven common groups based on characteristics discussed in the classroom.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Primitive Insects of the Congaree Swamp
In this video segment from NatureScene, observe dragonflies and mayflies near Cedar Creek at Congaree Swamp National Park. [5:25]
Texas A&M University
Texas A&m: Adding Adaptations to Insects
A lesson plan site that illustrates how certain adaptations will enhance an insects chances for survival.
Other
Bugbios: Class Insecta
See pictures of many different butterfly wing patterns and read about the individual butterflies.
Other
Tom Moore, Mulrennan Research Center/ Mosquito
The first section describes the general characteristics of the mosquito
Environmental Education for Kids
Eek!: Cicada
This site provides a brief but concise description of this interesting insect. Grades 4-8.
Other
Personal Site: The Virtual Insectary
This colorful site not only provides images of some common insects, but includes information on the foods which they eat as well as the habitats where they can be found.
PBS
Pbs Critter Guide: Butterfly
Can you name the four parts of the life cycle of the butterfly? This site features a brief but detailed description of the life cycle of a butterfly and some other fun facts about this interesting insect.