
These resources provide information for early childhood educators who want to help children investigate insects.
IEL Resources
Web Resources
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Beespotter
Source: University of Illinois Department of Entomology
This “citizen science” web site encourages the public to help track local populations of honeybees and bumblebees. Teachers can create a beespotter account and send in photos the children take of bees. Downloadable bee identification pages and information about bee-friendly gardens are also provided.
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BugInfo
Source: The Smithsonian Institution
This web page provides links to background information for teachers about such topics as “backyard bugs,” insect flight, and how insects benefit humans. Most can be adapted to share in early childhood classrooms.
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Common Butterflies of the Chicago Region
Source: Field Museum
Children can use the photographs in this printable guide to butterflies of northern Illinois to help them identify butterflies they see.
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Illinois Insects
Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
This downloadable poster features color photographs of some Illinois insects on one side, and concise information about insects on the other.
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Insect Questions?
Source: University of Illinois Department of Entomology
University entomologists offer an “BugID” service for the public; they will try to identify insects from photographs sent to them.
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K-12 Resources: Insects in the Classrooms
Source: University of Nebraska Lincoln
This web page links to useful information for teachers about insects, and to classroom activity suggestions that can be adapted for preschool and kindergarten classrooms.
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Wings, Stings, and Leggy Things: Insects of Illinois
Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
This online booklet features informative text and activities about common Illinois insects.
Books for Children
Though written for elementary age children, the content of these books can be adapted for preschoolers, and the photographs are appealing and informative for any age.
- Next Time You See a Bee by Emily Morgan
- Next Time You See a Firefly by Emily Morgan
- Smithsonian Handbooks: Insects by George C. McGavin