Authentic inquiry learning about "bugs"

The author provides a 5E lesson and directions on how to design the lab equipment, that allows students an opportunity to go outside and survey the school yard for bugs. Then the students us... See More

The author provides a 5E lesson and directions on how to design the lab equipment, that allows students an opportunity to go outside and survey the school yard for bugs. Then the students use the data to create their own classification system and in the process learn that not all "bugs" are insects, the actual focus of the study. I think the lesson is well designed and easy enough to implement with the assistance of parents or aids for the elementary level and could easily be used at the secondary level as an introductory activity as well. The only problem I have with the article is that the author does not really explain how to use the "leaf litter sifter". Do you use it to scoop in matter or do you lift the leaves into it with your hands, as I have never used this device, I have no idea. But I have done environmental surveys before and she does a nice job of providing the inquiry steps and the safety precautions that one should use. Nice authentic learning activity using inquiry.