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American Museum of Natural History

True Bugs

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 article supplements the Science Explorations online investigation Classify Insects: Zoom in on True Bugs.

bug-hunter

Article

Bug Hunter (Science World)

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.

zoom-in-on-insects

Activity

Science Explorations: Zoom in on Insects

Not every insect you encounter is a bug. Learn more about true bugs, the special group of insects that have piercing-and-sucking mouthparts, which drain fluids from plants, animals, and people.

  • More About This Resource...

    • Science Explorations are a collaboration between AMNH and Scholastic designed to promote science literacy among students in grades 3 through 10. The Classify Insects: Zoom in on True Bugs exploration includes:

      • A documentary-style introduction that provides background knowledge about insects and true bugs, as well as introduces students to Randall “Toby” Schuh, an AMNH entomologist
      • Three online activities for students in grades 6-10 (Classify This!, Take the “Name-a-Bug” Challenge, and Investigate)
      • Words to Know, a glossary of related terms
      • True Bugs Library, a collection of articles, captioned photos, short videos, and informative links
      • Backyard Science, off-line activities that challenge students to apply what they've learned
      • Putting It Together, advice and step-by-step tools to help students prepare research presentations

    • Completion Time

      Approximately 1 period

    • Teacher Tip

      A Teacher's Guide has been created for this Science Exploration. It includes suggestions for how to use the online investigation in your classroom along with topic-specific activities and extensions for students.

      To access the guide, click the Teacher's Guide link in the bottom-right corner of the exploration, which will take you to: http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/explorations/tguide/index.htm

    • Topic

      Biology

    • Subtopic

      Animals

    • Subtopic

      National Science Education Standards
      Grades K-4:

      • Science as Inquiry CONTENT STANDARD A:• Life Science CONTENT STANDARD C:• History and Nature of Science CONTENT STANDARD G:

      Grades 5-8:

      • Science as Inquiry CONTENT STANDARD A:• Life Science CONTENT STANDARD C:• History and Nature of Science CONTENT STANDARD G:

      Grades 9-12:

      • Science as Inquiry CONTENT STANDARD A:• Life Science CONTENT STANDARD C:• History and Nature of Science CONTENT STANDARD G:

    • Learning Standard

      National Science Education Standards
      Grades K-4:

      • Science as Inquiry CONTENT STANDARD A:• Life Science CONTENT STANDARD C:• History and Nature of Science CONTENT STANDARD G:

      Grades 5-8:

      • Science as Inquiry CONTENT STANDARD A:• Life Science CONTENT STANDARD C:• History and Nature of Science CONTENT STANDARD G:

      Grades 9-12:

      • Science as Inquiry CONTENT STANDARD A:• Life Science CONTENT STANDARD C:• History and Nature of Science CONTENT STANDARD G: