What makes a beetle a beetle? How does a beetle behave? And what on Earth does a beetle have in common with a lobster? During this truly hands-on experience, your students will develop an understanding of arthropods; they'll also learn techniques for observing arthropods in the field. They'll apply these skills to their own field sites as part of a study of local biodiversity, observing arthropods at the site, and collecting specimens to use in live collections and to be preserved for further study. This experience will inspire budding entomologists and help squeamish students learn to appreciate the world's largest group of animals.

		Arthropod Identification Curriculum Materials for grades 6 through 10 Arthropods are the world's most widely distributed animal phylum. But could you identify one if it crawled up your arm? Learn how in this in-depth, hands-on lesson in biodiversity.
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		Arthropod Identification, Abridged Curriculum Materials for grades 6 through 10 What has jointed appendages, a segmented body, and a hard exoskeleton? An arthropod, of course. Learn more about the world's most widely distributed animal phylum.
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		Dichotomous Keys for Arthropods Evidence and Analysis for grades 6 through 12 You don't need to find an arthropod specialist to learn if you've collected a stonefly, a springtail, or a walking stick. This easy-to-use tool helps you figure it out yourself.
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		How to Use a Dichotomous Key Article for grades 6 through 12 It doesn't matter if the dichotomous key you plan to use is on paper or interactive—either way, your first step is to closely observe the specimen you want to identify. Get tips about what to look for.
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		Some Clues to Describing and Understanding Organisms Activity for grades 6 through 12 At a loss for words when it comes to explaining your biodiversity findings in the classroom, field, or lab? Increase your vocabulary—and observation skills—with this guide to gathering clues.
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		Responsible Collecting Article for grades 6 through 12 Collecting specimens is necessary for studying and documenting new species—making responsible collecting all the more important. Find out how you can practice it.
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		Collecting Arthropod Specimens Article for grades 6 through 12 What's the best way to catch an arthropod in the field—aerial netting, beating, or pitfall trapping? Actually, the answer is choosing the right collection method for your site's terrain and specimens.
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		Sorting Arthropods for Identification Article for grades 6 through 12 Identifying arthropods is a challenge—even for someone who spends his days identifying Australian ground spiders at the museum. Get tips for making the sorting process easier.
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		Maintaining an Arthropod Collection Article for grades 6 through 12 Because dragonfly wings tend to lose their iridescence soon after they are killed, hazardous chemicals are sometimes used to "fix" the colors before they fade. But there are safer alternatives.
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		Other Methods to Capture Arthropods Activity for grades 6 through 12 Sweep a soft paintbrush or cotton swab. Slide on surgical gloves. Or literally beat the bushes. Learn creative methods for skillfully collecting arthropods.
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		How to Make a Killing Jar Activity for grades 6 through 12 Killing jars are a safe and effective way to preserve arthropods for further study. They're also pretty easy to construct. See what it takes to make one.
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		How to Set Up Guest Quarters for Visiting Arthropods Activity for grades 6 through 12 Learn how to turn a soda bottle, plastic shoe box, or small aquarium into spiffy guest quarters for tarantulas, milkweed bugs, butterflies, ants, and other arthropods.
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		How to Set Up a Berlese Funnel Activity for grades 6 through 12 Dozens of tiny arthropods make their homes in leaf litter, rotting wood, and soil. With a little ingenuity—and a Berlese funnel—you can coax them out of their habitat.
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		How to Set Up a Yellow Pan Trap Activity for grades 6 through 12 Are you drawn to the color yellow? If so, then you have something in common with many insects. See for yourself how yellow attracts flies, wasps, beetles, and other insects.
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		How to Make Your Own Net Activity for grades 6 through 12 The best way to catch a flying, hopping, or otherwise fast-moving arthropod is with a fabric net. Learn how to make your own aerial net in four easy steps.
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		Profile: Christine Johnson Article for grades 6 through 12 How is this scientist combining her love of insects with a degree in psychology? By studying a species of ants that literally makes slaves out of two other ant species.
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		Profile: Kefyn Catley Article for grades 6 through 12 What turned this symphony musician into a entomology researcher? Meeting a bunch of bug maniacs in his neighborhood, who rekindled his love of science.
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		Arthropod Morphology Evidence and Analysis for grades 6 through 12 From metamorphosis and types of antennae to the parts of a spider and a grasshopper, take an illustrated look at arthropod morphology with this collection of guides.
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