Identify the roles that beneficial insects and pests play in the garden
THEME: The Living Soil–The Living Plant: We are all Interconnected and Related
STRAND: Biodiversity and Interdependent Relationships
GRADE LEVEL: 3-5
Key Concepts
Identify beneficial insects and pests. Identify invasive species.
Lesson
Identify evidence of pests in the garden (e.g., holes in leaves, egg, etc.) and determine which organisms are responsible using a field guide (see Appendix for field guide).
Classify organisms as pests or beneficial insects.
Name beneficial insects based on their function (e.g., decomposers, pollinators, predators, shredders).
Cultivate plants that attract beneficial insects.
Research plant types that attract beneficial insects or deter pests.