Lesson Plan Mealworms:

Lesson 1: Observation
September 20, 2008
C.C. Ring School

Grade Level: 2nd

I. Rationale: Students will observe of the behavior of mealworms

II. Objectives:

The students will:

Investigate and observe instinctive behavior of the mealworms

The students will:

Identify characteristics of the mealworm

The students will:

Build the mealworm habitat: oatmeal, slice of potatoes for adequate moisture

The students will:

Know what mealworms need to survive(shelter, food, water, air )

III. New York State Learning Standards

SLC 5:

Standard 5 A) Students will identify and explain events in cycles and the next likely
occurrences. B) Students will create charts and graphs to show patterns over time and predit
the next likely occurrence

IV. Materials:

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Mealworm larva
Petri dish labeled with students names
 Oatmeal
Magnifying glasses
probe

V. Procedures/Modeling

1. Go to carpet w/ friend & taking buddy

2. Go over expectations during lesson
3. Introduction to lesson explaining the purpose of the lesson: Reviewing the monarch butterfly by
reading The Very Hungary Caterpillar
4. At the end of the lesson review the stages of the butterflies life cycle
5. Intro duce the mealworm as the cousin to the butterfly: Lets think about why they might be cousins:
we will talk about it next time
6. Introduction of the mealworms each student will have their own mealworms to observe
7. Answer these questions: 1.What does a mealworm look like? 2. What does it do? 3. How many legs
doe sit have? 4. Does it move quickly or slowly? Can the mealworm climb up the sides of the dish?
8. Students will write their answers in their journals
9. Students will share their observations with their buddy
10. the class will discuss what mealworms need to survive (shelter, food, water, air )
11. Go over living & nonliving and ask “what do mealworms need? What do living things need?
12. Go back to the purpose of the lesson :

VI. Assessment:

During instruction
During discussions & questions

VII. Closure:

Closing review what we learned about one another and the purpose of the lesson

VIII. Differentiated Curriculum:

1. Aid individuals as needed

2. Allow peer help for those whose are struggling
3. Extended time to answer questions