Scientists study insects by observing them in nature and collecting them for further research. Learn their techniques so you can make your own discoveries. This special collection supplements the Science Exploration online investigation Classify Insects: Zoom in on True Bugs.

		Bug Hunter (Science World) Article for grades 6 through 10 Did you know that while all bugs are insects, not all insects are bugs? Learn more about "true bugs," whose characteristics include defensive glands that produce and release foul smells.
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		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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		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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		Arthropods in Their Microhabitats Curriculum Materials for grades 6 through 10 Any site is likely to have several different microhabitats. How do these small changes have a big impact on arthropods? Find out in this in-depth, hands-on lesson in biodiversity.
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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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		Metamorphosis Evidence and Analysis for grades 6 through 12 Chances are you know that butterflies and moths go through a metamorphosis. But did you know that the same is true for silverfish? Learn more about the two types of arthropod metamorphosis.
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		Draw a Monarch Butterfly Activity for grades 3 through 8 You don't have to be a terrific artist to create a scientific illustration of a monarch butterfly—just willing to take your time researching and re-creating what you find. Learn how.
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Plants

		Plant/Arthropod Interactions Article for grades 6 through 12 Not all arthropods are equal in the eyes of plants. To attract helpful ones and fend off harmful ones, plants use their important chemical and mechanical attributes.
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		Investigating Plant-Arthropod Interactions Article for grades 6 through 12 In her search for answers, this doctoral candidate mostly came up with more questions—a result that made her happy. Learn why she thinks the best part of discovery is following a trail of questions.
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Observation

		Drawing as a Way of Looking at the Natural World Article for grades 6 through 12 Don't just take a close look at that arthropod, pick up a pencil and draw it! You'll be surprised how much better you'll understand and appreciate what you're seeing.
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		Online Field Journal: Compare Activity for grades Kindergarten through 5 No matter what the weather or season, you can explore nature with these 11 online challenges. See just how good your observation skills are by comparing butterflies, leaves, reptiles, fish, and more.
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		Online Field Journal: Field Journals Activity for grades Kindergarten through 5 Don't just explore the wonders of nature. Record them! From seashells and birds to animal tracks and spiders, these printable field journals are great guides for your next nature walk.
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		Profile: Barrett Klein Article for grades 6 through 12 If you found a dead butterfly in your driveway, what would you do? If you'd examine and draw it, like Barrett Klein did, then you should consider a career in scientific illustration.
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		Profile: Eric Quinter Article for grades 6 through 12 Anyone who is patient and observant can make a contribution to entomology, according to Eric Quinter. So far, he's found 10 never-before-seen species of bamboo borer moths.
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		Respect for Creatures in the Classroom: The First Lesson of Stewardship Article for all ages No snail is too slimy or snake too slithery for Amy O'Donnell to handle without hesitation. Find out why she thinks a hands-on experience is the best way to teach young kids to care for the planet.
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Collecting

		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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		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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		How to Set a Pitfall Trap Activity for grades 6 through 12 How can you get soil dwellers to drop in for a visit? With a pitfall trap, of course. Find out how to build and bait your own arthropod trap with ordinary supplies.
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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 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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		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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Classification

		Tree of Life Article for grades 3 through 8 Think of a cladogram as the ultimate family tree. On it, you can see how all living things are related, including the single ancestor they all share. Learn more about Earth's Tree of Life.
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		So Many Kinds of Creatures: Learning to Classify Curriculum Materials for grades 6 through 10 From What's the Buzz? and Bugs Under Glass to Name That Critter and Arthropod Jeopardy, this lively look at insects is crawling with hands-on fun.
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		So Many Kinds of Plants: Learning to Classify Curriculum Materials for grades 6 through 10 Kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species—do you know these classification basics? You will after working your way through this set of learning activities.
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