Learning activities/Bug Blitz

Introduction

The Bug Blitz is the idea of renowned naturalist and scholar Professor Edward O. Wilson of Harvard University. Students and teachers combine to focus on the issues that surround biodiversity. No prior experience is necessary for this activity. The only requirements are curiosity and collaboration-- and, of course, the XO.

Students will work with each other to collect, describe, record, and compare the living and non-living things in their particular "hot spot." They will identify issues, create new ways to present their information, and deliver messages about knowledge gained. In addition, they will develop a whole new appreciation and respect for bugs. Combining the arts and science in this way will allow students to develop an understanding of biodiversity as well as help their region have a sustainable future.

The Bug Blitz Challenge

Teams of students will work together to collect photos and other evidence of bugs, create a multimedia presentation of their group's journey, and present their finished product to the rest of the class.

Activity: All About Bugs

1. Use your XO to find a picture of a bug on the Internet.
2. In groups, discuss each picture. Keep a list of all the ways you can describe a bug.
3. As a class, review the various parts of a bug. Make a list of new bug words for the class.

Activity: Before the Blitz

1. Decide on a location for your Bug Blitz-- any outdoor area will do! Some suggestions include: a schoolyard, a soccer field, a local forest or park.
2. As a class, discuss the natural features of your Bug Blitz location.
3. Divide into groups and decide on a "hot spot" for each group. Discuss the natural boundaries of each "hot spot" in each group and as a class.

Activity: Bug Blitz!

1. As a class, take a field trip to your Bug Blitz destination.
2. Divide into groups according to hot spot and explore the area for evidence of bugs.
3. Use Capture to take a photo or video of each bug you see, as well as each significant natural feature.
4. Use Write to take notes about each photo and record other observations.

Activity: Multimedia Workshop

Using their XOs, each team will create an audiovisual presentation to tell the story of the bugs in their hot spot. See Audiovisual Workshop below for suggestions on how to create audiovisual presentations on the XO.

Activity: Team Presentations

Each team will present their presentation to the class.

Teacher Responsibility

Teachers accompanying students on the Blitz have an important role in ensuring it all comes together. Teachers have a particular responsibility to support the organizing their student group before arriving at the Blitz, and ensuring the preparatory work required for the Bug Blitz is completed. During the Blitz, teachers are expected to be fully involved in assisting the student working groups, and supporting the staff and experts working with them.

In advance of the Blitz, teachers will:

• Help students complete the ‘Pre-Bug Blitz activities’ and ensure they are prepared to participate in the outdoor experience and communal activities.

On arrival at the Blitz teachers will:

• Be fully involved with all the field and social activities including walking, navigation, team challenges, conducting activities, working with other teachers in collaboratively supervising students, and assisting with the development of a final day presentation with a group of seven students.