Curriculum
IPM Curriculum for Connecticut
The UConn Integrated Pest Management coordinators developed comprehensive curricula for children and young adults in grades K through 8. These curricula illustrate the application of the science, math and language arts taught in our schools to solving the environmental and human health problems facing society and to introduce the concepts of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to the younger generation. The interactive, easy-to-follow lessons and supplemental resource materials will enable participants to make environmentally sound, economically smart decisions when facing the growing problem of pest management.
A fun, educational guide to understanding insects and their role in nature. It explains what insects are, highlights their body parts and importance in ecosystems, and includes engaging activities like a bug scavenger hunt and habitat tips to help insects thrive. The booklet also features information on beneficial insects such as ladybugs, bees, lacewings, dung beetles, and more, showing how these small creatures contribute to pollination, pest control, and healthy environments. This resource supports UConn Extension’s broader Bug Week celebration, which invites people of all ages to learn about, appreciate, and explore insects through events, crafts, games, and hands-on activities.
Join the Xerces Society’s X-Kids program, where kids become junior conservation heroes! Follow Blue the butterfly through fun, hands-on activities that help children learn about insects and other invertebrates, their “superpowers,” and how to protect these important animals in nature. Complete the activities, submit your pledge, and earn an Invertebrate Protector badge—all for free. This engaging resource is designed for kids (especially grades 3–5) but can be enjoyed by learners of all ages, at home or in classrooms.
Adventures with Insects — 4-H Entomology Project Book
Explore the fascinating world of insects with this hands-on 4-H entomology project booklet from Virginia Cooperative Extension. Designed for young learners, it introduces insect biology, classification, and collecting techniques, and guides you through activities like building a net, collecting and mounting specimens, and learning insect anatomy. Whether you’re a beginner or budding entomologist, this resource helps build curiosity and understanding about insects and their role in nature.
4-H Introduction to Entomology
Discover the fascinating world of insects with this 4-H entomology guide from Mississippi State University Extension. It introduces basic insect biology, fun facts, and why studying insects matters, then walks young learners through how to start an insect collection and explore insect structures, life cycles, and habitats. The booklet includes hands-on activities like making a net, preparing specimens, and building display equipment—perfect for budding entomologists and classroom use.
Plant Hero’s Educator Resources
Empower students to explore the vital role of plants with free, standards-aligned lessons and activities from Plant Heroes. This educator hub offers classroom-ready resources that make plant science fun and accessible, including hands-on investigations, printable worksheets, and engaging tools for teaching about plant structures, life cycles, adaptations, ecosystems, and the importance of plants to people and the planet.
Dive into the fascinating world of insects with our curated Bug Week book list, featuring engaging titles for kids and educators alike. This collection includes beautifully illustrated guides to bugs and nature, nonfiction stories about scientists and the roles insects play in the environment, mystery and field-guide style books perfect for young explorers, and creative reads that spark curiosity about butterflies, bees, beetles, flowers, and more. Whether you’re planning classroom activities or looking for inspiring nature reads at home, this list highlights books that deepen understanding and appreciation of the small creatures that make big impacts in our world.