Although they are only pint-sized, insects and other invertebrates include some of the most diverse and important groups of animals on the planet. Insects provide essential ecosystem services such as pollination and nutrient recycling, and are crucial to our own survival. This activity explores the physical and behavioural features of invertebrates, and investigates the ecosystem services (and disservices) that they provide. Students will use stereo microscopes to observe beneficial and pest insects, and then play the dung beetle game, exploring how insects recycle nutrients in the environment (Yr K-6); or navigate the school grounds in search in search of some of these marvellous creatures (Yr 7-10)!
