Ladybugs

Science and Math Activities for Young Children

Grades Preschool—1

Written by Jean C. Echols

This teeny beetle flutters into the hearts of children from its first landing on a little index finger (or daisy, or dog). They fall in love with its lore–a sign of good luck?–as much as its shiny round little body.

This unit capitalizes on childhood delight with ladybugs to present key science and math concepts to young children, including basic information relating to animal form and ecology. In a series of observational and role-play activities, children learn about ladybug body structure, life cycle, defensive behavior, and favorite foods. They absorb the mathematical concepts of counting, symmetry, and pattern as they indulge their curiosity about this charming insect. Two full-color pages can be detached as posters, and the book is full of reproducible graphics. In the last activity, Ladybugs Rescue the Orange Trees, children learn important lessons about the environmental role of ladybugs and the interdependence found in nature. The careful use of live ladybugs is recommended, but optional.

This GEMS guide was developed by the GEMS PEACHES program, whose Ant Homes Under the Ground makes a delightful entomological connection to this unit. See also the GEMS guides Hide a Butterfly and Buzzing a Hive!

Time: Thirteen 45- to 60-minute sessions.



Ladybug on-line activity.

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Literature Connections

What materials are needed to present this unit? See the full list.