Bugs in Winter

When the weather turns cold, fewer bugs are seen. Through our learning, we found out that bugs can survive through cold weather easiest when temperatures are stable. Stable temperatures means not alternating through thaws and freezes. Bugs can gain shelter and nourishment through soil, inside wood logs, trees and plant galls. 

Driving Question

• What do bugs do as winter approaches?

Probing Questions

• What kind of bugs can you think of that would need shelter?
• What might an ant need in order to live?
• What might happen to bugs if they don’t find shelter before the cold temperatures occur?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

• Spend the day outside completing a log or discussing what bugs they see and how they may function in the winter.
• Study how bugs survive in warm temperatures by using an insect kit to keep inside. 
• Create and discuss using a Venn diagram to compare how animals/people are different from bugs.

Relevant Related Resources

• Pest World For Kids: This resource explains where different types of bugs may go in the winter. 
• Bug Science Activities For Kids: This resource provides activities, songs and projects for students to engage with while learning about bugs. 
• Where Do Bugs Go in the Winter?: This is an informational video that talks about where bugs go in the winter.