Lesson Plan: Insect Behavior and Climate Change

Here is a step-by-step guide to using this lesson plan in the classroom/laboratory. We have suggested these steps as a possible plan of action. You may customize the lesson plan according to your preferences and requirements.

Step 1: Topic introduction and discussion (Go to the Reading)

1. Use this reading, ‘Insect Biology and Ecology: A Primer’, by Anthony Shelton, Professor of Entomology, Cornell University, to introduce the topic of insects.
2. First, discuss its classification within Class Insecta, Phylum Arthropoda.
3. Next, use the reading to explain basic insect anatomy and insect growth and development.
4. Deliberate upon the different types of insects (bugs, mosquitoes, houseflies, grasshoppers, spiders, etc.) to highlight the existence of a vast variety of insects in the biosphere.
5. Discuss the roles that insects play in the ecosystem (pollinators, commercial importance, natural enemy of pests, scavengers, etc.). Thus, explain the importance of maintaining a balance in the insect populations for the wellbeing of an ecosystem.
6. Finally, stress on the delicately balanced interactions and the inter-dependence of insects and the environment that are ubiquitous in the natural world.

Step 2 : Explain the link between climate change and insects (Go to the Reading)

1. Use the report, ‘Climate-Change Impact on Insects 'Simply Cannot be Ignored’’, by the Entomological Society of America, to discuss the findings of several studies on the impacts of climate change on insect survival.
2. Begin by discussing a study that has reported a dramatic loss of insect populations in Puerto Rico’s Luquillo rainforest over a span of approximately 35 years. Highlight the associated decline in the population of lizards, frogs, etc. that consume arthropods and therefore, the intrinsic balance within food webs.
3. Compare this study with other studies mentioned in the report.
4. Explain the adverse impacts of climate related rapid decline in the global insect populations on insect biodiversity, food security, vector-borne diseases, invasive species, etc.
5. Finally, facilitate a discussion among the students about the urgency of finding solutions to this problem as climate change can affect global biodiversity.

Step 3 : Discuss the possible effect of global warming on insect behavior (Go to the Reading)

1. Use the reading, ‘Interesting Insects’ (Chapter 1, Lesson 3, Pages 42-43: Main Concepts and Skills) from ‘Integrating Climate Change Issues in Southeast Asian Schools; A Teachers’ Guide’ by Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), to understand the implications of climate change related increase in the average temperature of the Earth on insect behavior.
2. Explain to your students how environmental temperature variations can show an immediate effect on insect behavior due to their cold-blooded physiology.
3. Also discuss the long-term effects of varying temperatures on insect populations such as changes in insect phenology and life cycles.
4. Note: Read only Page 42-43: Main concepts and Skills from the suggested reading.

Step 4 : Classroom/Laboratory Activity (Go to the Activity, Page 48)

1. Use this laboratory activity, ‘Interesting Insects’ (Chapter 1, Lesson 3, Page 48: A COLD BLOODED BUG’s LIFE) from ‘Integrating Climate Change Issues in Southest Asian Schools; A Teachers’ Guide’ by SEAMEO, to investigate the immediate responses of insects to varying external temperatures.
2. Using the worksheet provided, direct your students to firstly collect all relevant material and follow the instructions for the experiments.
3. Ask your students to record all their observations of insect responses to temperature changes. F
4. Finally, use the ‘Guide Questions’ to analyze the observations on changes in insect behavior due to temperature variations.

Use the tools and the concepts learned so far to discuss and determine answers to the following questions:

1. What are insects? What roles do they play in the ecosystem?
2. What are the possible impacts of climate change on insects?
3. What are the possible impacts of climate change on insect behavior?

The tools in this lesson plan will enable students to:

1. describe insects and their role in the ecosystem.
2. explain the possible impacts of climate change on the survival and distribution of insects.
3. discuss the possible impacts of climate change and variations in temperature on insect behavior.
4. apply this knowledge of insect behavior to all living animals in response to climate change.