Ladybugs
Science and Math Activities for Young
Children
Grades Preschool1
Written by Jean C. Echols
This teeny beetle flutters into the hearts of children from its
first landing on a little index finger (or daisy, or dog). They
fall in love with its lorea sign of good luck?as much
as its shiny round little body.
This unit capitalizes on childhood delight with ladybugs to present
key science and math concepts to young children, including basic
information relating to animal form and ecology. In a series of
observational and role-play activities, children learn about ladybug
body structure, life cycle, defensive behavior, and favorite foods.
They absorb the mathematical concepts of counting, symmetry, and
pattern as they indulge their curiosity about this charming insect.
Two full-color pages can be detached as posters, and the book
is full of reproducible graphics. In the last activity, Ladybugs
Rescue the Orange Trees, children learn important lessons about
the environmental role of ladybugs and the interdependence found
in nature. The careful use of live ladybugs is recommended, but
optional.
This GEMS guide was developed by the GEMS PEACHES
program, whose Ant Homes Under
the Ground makes a delightful entomological connection
to this unit. See also the GEMS guides Hide
a Butterfly and Buzzing a Hive!
Time: Thirteen 45- to 60-minute sessions.
Ladybug on-line
activity.
Comment on this GEMS unit.
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Ordering Information
Literature Connections
What materials are needed to present this unit? See the full list. |