SHS2 Biology · Semester 2 Week 2: Living Organisms

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 2.3.1.LI.1 - Identify and describe the distinctive features, life cycle and characteristics of grain weevil, butterfly, housefly and honeybee.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Identify the four insects (grain weevil, butterfly, housefly and honeybee) from specimens, photos or posters, and state at least three distinctive features of each.
Describe the stages in the life cycle of each of the four insects in the correct order, using appropriate terms such as egg, larva, pupa and adult.
Compare the life cycles of the four insects, noting similarities (complete metamorphosis) and differences (where each stage occurs and what the larva looks like).
Explain how each insect’s distinctive features and life cycle stages are adapted to its habitat and way of life.
Use a hand lens correctly to observe and record details of preserved specimens, working cooperatively in mixed-ability groups.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Diversity of Living Things and Their Environment (Strand 3)
Sub-strand: Living Organisms (3.1)
Content standard: 2.3.1.CS.1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the life processes of grain weevil, butterfly, housefly and honeybee as examples of higher living organisms in the environment. 2.3.1.LO.1 Relate the knowledge of the life processes of grain weevil, butterfly, housefly and honeybee to their economic importance.
Indicator: 2.3.1.LI.1 - Identify and describe the distinctive features, life cycle and characteristics of grain weevil, butterfly, housefly and honeybee.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 2 (Week 22 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 74

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Collaborative Learning Technique: in mixed-ability, gender-responsive and all-inclusive tasked-based groups, research from textbooks and related resources, the distinctive features, life cycle and characteristics of the grain weevil, housefly, butterfly and honey bee; gender responsiveness and social inclusion in a group address the social and emotional needs of each learner, such that each member learns to accept the background of another and seek to meet their emotional needs for a healthy academic exercise.
Project-Based Learning: as a project work, learners in their groupings identify the habitats of the grain weevil, butterfly, housefly and honey bee, sample them as specimens, and study the various adaptations of each specimen to their named habitat. Each group presents a written report from their research findings. Learners learn to be creative and appreciate the contribution of each member in a group project exercise.
Initiating Talk for Learning: design charts on the life cycles of the various insects studied. Learners build self-confidence as they self-practice the lesson in their own ways; learners appreciate the abilities of their peers as they assess the inputs of every member.
Teaching and Learning Materials:
- * Specimen of Grain weevil, butterfly, housefly, honeybee (each in a different petri dish), hand lens, and * Photos and posters of specimens to be studied. * Videos
- forceps.
Assessment (2.3.1.AS.1). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 1 Recall; Level 3 Strategic reasoning; Level 4 Extended critical thinking and reasoning.