Animals: Mealworms

Learn how mealworms change into darkling beetles. Includes several instructions for conducting science experiments involving mealworms. Some of the experiments have a technology component, such as using spreadsheets and digital cameras to record the metamorphosis of these insects. There are also suggestions for caring for mealworms in the classroom. Includes an eThemes resource on life cycles and on mealworms for grades K-2.

Grades

• 3,
• 4,
• 5,
• 6

Links

• Mealworm to Beetle Project

  Learn about the larval stage of a beetle as it grows and changes from a mealworm; includes materials needed and instructions.

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• Darkling Beetle/Mealworm

  This page has a good overview of mealworms and an illustration of both the mealworm and the beetle. Find out the impact these animals have on the ecosystem and why they stand on their head. There is also instructions for making a mealworm container for experiments.

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• Scholastic: Mealworms in the Spotlight

  This site has an activity in which students observe a mealworm's habitat. There is also a script that you can use for acting out a play with mealworms.

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• Enchanted Learning: Yellow Mealworm/Darkling Beetle

  This site for kids describes mealworms and includes a diagram of their life cycle. Includes information on predators Click on the links at the bottom for a quiz and other printouts on mealworms. NOTE: This site includes Google ads.

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• Observing Mealworms and Earthworms

  Students can observe and compare mealworms and earthworms with this science lesson activity.

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• How to Raise Mealworms Video

  This instructional video explains the process of raising your own mealworms. (Total running time: 5:12) NOTE: This site includes ads. NOTE: This site includes a discussion board (message board, forum, etc.).

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• Meal Worm Morphing to Pupa Video

  This video chronicles the change from mealworm to pupa. (Total running time: 6:45) NOTE: This site includes ads. NOTE: This site includes a discussion board (message board, forum, etc.).

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• Meal Worm Pupa Morphing to Beetle Video

  Watch as a mealworm goes from pupa to beetle. (Total running time: 7:48) NOTE: This site includes ads. NOTE: This site includes a discussion board (message board, forum, etc.).

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• eThemes Resource: Animals: Life Cycles

  These sites focus on the stages animals go through as they mature. Learn how insects, fish, amphibians, birds, mammals, and humans develop. See videos of animals when they are developing embryos. Watch a chicken hatch from its egg. There are many diagrams that visually represent the life cycle.

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• eThemes Resource: Animals: Mealworms for K-2 Grades

  These sites are about mealworms. There are mealworm facts, pictures, and fun activities. Learn how to take care of them in the classroom and observe their behavior through all four stages of their life cycle. Included are two related eThemes resources.

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Education Standards

• AR
  • LS.2.4.2.b
  • LS.4.4.1
• ME
  • E1.a
  • E1.d
  • E2.d
• MO
  • 1.1
  • 1.2
  • 1.3
  • 1.4
  • 1.6
  • 1.7
  • 1.8
  • 2.3
  • 3
  • 3.1
  • 3.2
  • 3.3
  • 3.4
  • 3.5
  • 3.6
  • 3.7
  • 4
  • 4
  • 4.5
  • 4.6
  • 5.1.A.a
  • 5.1.A.a
  • 6
  • 7
• UT
  • V.2.a
  • V.2.b
  • V.2.d
  • V.2.d
  • V.3.b
• NV
  • L.5.B.1
  • L.5.C.5
  • L.5.D.1
• OK
  • C.2.1
  • C.2.2
  • C.2.3
  • D.3.1
  • D.3.2
• DE
  • 1.1.28
  • 1.1.32
  • 6.1.3
  • 6.2.1
  • 6.2.1
  • 7.1.1
  • 8.1.2
• IL
  • 12.4.02
  • 12.4.03
  • 12.4.04
  • 12.4.07
  • 12.4.08
  • 12.4.09
  • 12.4.10

Request State Standards

Created: August 27, 2003 at 04:29 | Updated: August 28, 2012 at 18:04