Bodacious Bugs

Lesson Plan, Grades 3-6, Art, Science, Seasonal, Aleene's, Twisteez

Description

These fun and friendly insects are guaranteed to inspire creativity in this easy and inexpensive project. Colored Striped Chenille Stems and feathers practically jump together and fly away before your very eyes. Create an airborne display by hanging them around your classroom, creating kinetic mobiles or placing them in surprising places for a summer-like ambiance all year long. This project is the perfect companion for lessons in biology and science. Construct life-like insects by studying the anatomy of mosquitoes, beetles, flies or any thousands of the beautiful bugs in nature, or create your own silly species.

Objectives

Students will demonstrate knowledge of the anatomy of an insect by constructing one with various art materials.

Students will choose among a variety of art materials to effectively convey their concept of "bug".

Supplies Needed

Jumbo Striped Stems, 1/4" Dia. x 12", Pack of 100
Short Colored Quills, 3 oz.
Assorted Color Feather Fluffs, 1-Lb. Pkg.
Bright Hues Pony Beads, Pack of 1000
Wiggle Eyes, 7mm, Pack of 100
Aleene's Tacky Glue, 4-Oz. Bottle
Twisteez Versatile Craft Wire, 30-Strand Pkg., 30" Lengths

Standards

CONTENT Standard #2: Using knowledge of structure and function.
Grades K-5: Students will use visual structures and functions to communicate ideas.
CONTENT Standard #6: Making connections between art and other disciplines.
Grades K-5: Students will identify connections between the visual arts and other disciplines in the curriculum.

Instructions

1

Examine an insect. How big is the abdomen and thorax? How many legs does it have? What shape are the wings? Make a small drawing as a guide.

2

Begin with the chenille stems. Cut each length with a scissors. It may be easiest to cut a stem the entire length of the insect and add elements to that piece.

3

Wind chenille stems around the main length to create any size part of the bug. Use the same color or choose a different color for each body part.

4

Glue on feathers as wings. Simply cut to size and stick the end into the wound chenille stem.

5

Glue on wiggle eyes or beads.

6

If antennae are needed, they will stick out best if the wire is embedded or wound into the chenille stems at the head. Use Wire-Art Wire for delicately shaped antennae.