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    Home » Primary Science » Key Stage 1 Science » Beetle Game – Introduction to insects

    Beetle Game – Introduction to insects

    March 6, 2013 By Emma Vanstone 6 Comments

    Did you know beetles make up about 40% of insect species?

    Beetles have a tough exoskeleton ( outer skeleton ) and hard forewings; like all insects, their bodies are made up of three parts: the head, thorax and abdomen. Different beetle species have different appendages, but I have kept things simple for this activity.

    Build a beetle

    Print out the beetle below and cut it into separate parts for each number.

    The idea of the game is that all the bits start in the middle, and each player retrieves a body part depending on the number rolled on a die.

    Build a beetle template

    The first player to build a complete insect wins.

    We also made the same game using play-doh parts.

    Play doh beetle game

     

    Beetle Fun Facts

    The hard exoskeleton is made of plates called sclerites.

    The head – contains antennae, eyes and a mouth.

    Adult beetles have two sets of wings.

    Some have remarkable eyes which allow them to see above and below the waterline.

    A single beetle can lay thousands of eggs in its lifetime.

    Ladybirds are a kind of beetle.

    Insect Extension Activities

    Can you draw a picture of a beetle and remember all the body parts?

    Can you find any beetles in your garden and identify the body segments with a magnifying glass?

    Last Updated on January 17, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. maggy, red ted art

      March 06, 2013 at 2:38 pm

      Wow, what a great great science based game!!! Fun and learning at the same time. Great idea!

      Thanks for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!

      Maggy

      Reply
    2. HELEN

      March 06, 2013 at 3:50 pm

      great idea for a game – I love the play doh variation!

      Reply
    3. anna

      March 10, 2013 at 7:50 pm

      LOVE this! We are doing the Letter “I” at our house, and I’m sure we’ll be doing this activity soon.

      Reply
    4. Ticia

      March 15, 2013 at 8:10 pm

      I remember doing something like this with my kids when we studied insects, and it was a hit with mine too!
      Thanks for linking up to Science Sunday.

      Reply
    5. Sue Jaggar

      November 02, 2021 at 5:57 am

      Hi

      I am very keen to see science activities developed for children, however as this is a “science” game that is trying to teach insect anatomy to children it would be good if you could correct the anatomy in your picture above. The legs attach to the Thorax not to the abdomen. What you have labelled the Thorax is actually the pronotum.

      Reply
      • Emma Vanstone

        November 02, 2021 at 11:59 am

        Apologies, this is a very old post and has now been corrected

        Reply

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