Bugs Take Shape

Imagination and problem-solving go to work as children check out real bugs and create their own.

• 1.

  Look at butterflies and moths, ladybugs, spiders, worms, and a variety of other insects. Talk about what you see in terms of shapes, colors, patterns, and body parts.

• 2.

  With Crayola® Model Magic, form a 3-dimensional bug. Repeat the shapes, colors, and patterns found in nature or be imaginative and design a fantasy bug.

• 3.

  Use modeling tools such as plastic knives, craft sticks, or drinking straws to cut and shape the dough.

Benefits

• Children investigate bugs outdoors, in an insect zoo, on the Internet, or in books.
• Children identify basic geometric shapes, colors, and patterns, as well as body parts, expanding vocabularies and visual literacy.
• Children exercise imaginations and problem-solving skills as they recall real bugs and create their own.

Adaptations

• Encourage more experienced students to notice organic shapes and symmetry in nature and design bugs with these features.
• Younger children and special needs students can write stories about each bug's adventures. Younger children can dictate their stories to an older child or on tape.
• Create an animated video with several bugs. Move bugs and their parts between takes to simulate motion.
• Create models of the various stages of a bug's life cycle, such as caterpillar, larvae, cocoon, and moth.