It’s not often that bugs are met with the level of enthusiasm that Class 2 brought to their insect studies. The students’ curiosity and eagerness to learn far surpassed any other bug-related thoughts as they each chose an insect to research and write about in a book of their own creation. Through this project, students explored insect structures and behaviors, while practicing how to communicate their scientific understanding in clear and creative ways.
Throughout the second half of the fall semester, Class 2 engaged in an interdisciplinary project during which they practiced their scientific research skills, writing and artistry by creating illustrated booklets and interpretive dances to explore information about their chosen bug.
In their science classes, they observed beetles, which were kept in terrariums. This up-close observation helped the girls better understand what happens in the life of an insect and how it differs from their own.
During writing workshops in Homerooms, the Class 2 students drafted their book’s contents, ensuring their pieces included topic sentences, supporting details, and at least three adjectives and two transition words. They referred to an editing checklist to confirm correct spelling, punctuation and that sentences included a subject and a predicate.
While the girls put the finishing touches on their work, a special visitor met them in the library for an interactive presentation. Insect researcher Kate Marra discussed all kinds of bugs and encouraged the students to ask questions. Some of their questions included queries scientists haven’t yet answered, like “How did the first insect appear?” Others asked about similarities insects share with humans, wondering, “Do insects have brains?” “Do they have bones?” Ms. Marra’s favorite question was more personal: “What’s your favorite insect?” to which she happily replied, “Ladybugs!” Although, as the girls soon learned, she also has a soft-spot for another insect.
As an extra surprise for Class 2, Ms. Marra had brought some of her Madagascar Cockroaches for the girls to meet! As cockroaches have a particular reputation in New York City, this news was met with a variety of reactions: shocked faces, exclamations of “EWW!” and some excited chattering.
To meet the bugs, the students moved into their smaller homeroom groups where a brave student volunteered as the first to take a closer look. The girls were invited to gently pet the bugs, if they wished, carefully using two fingers to stroke the insect’s back. They were also asked to stay as quiet as they could to avoid scaring the bugs. This proved difficult as the students struggled to contain a mix of excitement, disgust and anticipation as each took her turn. By the end of their library time, each student had gathered courage — bolstered by curiosity and encouragement from classmates — to interact with the insects.
Class 2 also explored bug movement in the dance studio as part of this project. To accompany their illustrated books, each student created an interpretive dance to represent how their chosen bug moved. They worked through their choreography for a few classes before finalizing and recording their dances. Inside their finished books, a QR code was added with a link to view these performances.
The final part of this project was Class 2’s first-ever Insect Fair! Students presented their dioramas, videos and books, showcasing their creativity, scientific thinking and writing skills.
Members of the professional community and Class 2 families were invited to the library and Lower School classrooms to hear from our proud young scientists and experience the projects firsthand. One student’s book taught visitors all about ladybugs, from what they eat to what type of insect they are and even included a data graph and poem. Another student included movement language throughout her book to help viewers understand the connection between her writing about the stages of a butterfly’s life and the movements that represented those changes in her dance.
This interdisciplinary project helped the Class 2 students bridge their growing skills in science, math (data literacy), research, writing, illustrating, reading and dance. Faculty and families were blown away by their creations and the way the girls were able to answer any question asked about their bugs. Their newfound comfort with all bugs didn’t go unnoticed either!
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