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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Insect Survival

Close up of a lubber grasshopper on a leaf. The grasshopper is yellow, black, brown, and red.
A lubber grasshopper in the O. Orkin Insect Zoo. Photo by Rosa Pineda, Smithsonian.

Live Video School Program for Grades 3-5

During this museum educator-led program students virtually explore what makes an insect an insect, and why they are so successful (insects have more species and live in more places than any other animal!). Students will investigate and identify the survival techniques of the Carolina Sphinx Moth and the Tobacco Hornworm, exploring their adaptations using the scientific skills of observation and sketching.

Formats

Designed to accommodate classes, grades, or groups with 15-1,000 students. Students will not be visible to the museum educator or other students, but they will be able to submit questions in writing through the Q&A, and interact through polls.

Designed to accommodate classes of 15 - 35 students. Students will be visible to the museum educator and their classmates, and will have the ability to raise their hand to ask questions. In order to participate in this format, those registering will need to provide copies of parental permissions to participate in onscreen programs. If you would like to register for more than 35 students you will need to book a second slot.

Designed to accommodate individual students or small groups with less than 15 students. Students will not be visible to the museum educator or other students, but they will be able submit questions in writing through the Q&A, and interact through polls. Homeschool Days available the first Monday of the month: October 5, November 2, and December 7.  

Register

  • Registered programs, 10:15 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. ET from October 5 to December 18. DCPS teachers please contact us if classes need to be scheduled at alternate times. 
  • Registration is now open. Register for Digital School Programs

Supplemental Videos

More Videos

Assassin Flies – Predators of the Insect World
The Evolution of Agriculture in Ants
Living Together - Parasites and Hosts
Powerful Predators - Adaptations of Trap-Jaw Spiders
Butterfly Adaptations - How They Come By Their Colors
Kids, you are just like scientists!

Upcoming Science How Live Webinars

Bring a Smithsonian scientist into your home and classroom with Smithsonian Science How a series of live video webinars that connect Smithsonian science experts with students. Check back soon for new webinars to connect your students with the core content of the Insect Survival school programs. The webinars will provide your students with an opportunity to extend their learning in the content area.

Extension Resources

Virtually explore the Butterfly Pavilion and O. Orkin Insect Zoo. Teacher and student materials coming later this fall!

Learn about the O. Orkin Insect Zoo at the Natural History Museum!