Entomologist Filippo Silvestri was born in 1873.

Filippo Silvestri was born in Bevagna, Italy, in 1873. He became interested in natural sciences at a young age and went on to become a leading entomologist. His early research involved a comparative study of millipedes and centipedes. In 1902, he began work with the Laboratory of Agrarian Entomology, where he remained for the rest of his career. Under his direction, the Laboratory developed outstanding collections of several species, which are still consulted by entomologists today. Silvestri documented thousands of species, and his studies of insects and agriculture provide one of the cornerstones of modern biological agriculture. Silvestri is perhaps best known for his pioneering analysis of polyembryony, or multiple births from one egg. A prestigious prize in entomology, the Filippo Silvestri Foundation prize, is named in his honor.

ReadWriteThink
In Did You Say Spiders? (3–5), students work cooperatively using response journals and technology to inquire into the world of spiders, gather information about various types of spiders and create a multimedia project about one particular type of spider.

Poems serve as the introduction for the ESL student to a research investigation about insects in Multipurpose Poetry: Introducing Science Concepts and Increasing Fluency (3–5).

Science NetLinks
In Insect Models (K–2), students will explore insects by making models of insects of their choice.

The Science Update Sticky Spiders (6–12) explores the question of what keeps spiders from getting stuck in their own webs.

Another Science Update, Spider Web Sites (6–12), examines social hierarchy among spiders.

In Cicada Invasion (3–5), students consider how some animals, periodical cicadas, survive well in a particular environment due to the species' life cycle. Students are encouraged to observe the interactions among the cicadas and the other organisms within an environment.

Students explore defense mechanisms involved in predatory/prey relationships in Periodical Cicada Survival (6–8).

In the Science Update Cicada Emergence (6–12), biologist Keith Clay explains how periodical cicadas know when to emerge.

Xpeditions

In Insects We Love and Hate (K–2), students see pictures of insects that bite and sting, and others of insects that don’t bother people. They then classify insects into “likeable” and “not-so-likeable” categories and draw pictures of insects that people like and don’t like.

Illuminations
Ladybug Lengths (Pre-K–2), from the unit Magnificent Measurement, uses the book Ladybug on the Move, by Richard Fowler, to begin an introduction to and practice with the measurable attributes of length.

Ladybug Adventures (Pre-K–2) presents a rich computer environment in which students can use their knowledge of number, measurement and geometry to solve interesting problems.

ARTSEDGE
In Scratch Dance (K–4), students gather factual information on an insect of their choice. Then students create and perform an original poem, and in the process learn how a poem can be used to communicate information.

In Mutant Insects (5–8), students compare and contrast the scientific concept of mutation with the artistic concept of “morphing.” Students then research the bodies, habitats and life cycles of different types of insects and develop a clay and papier-mâché “mutant” insect.

Students learn about the appearance, life cycle and behavior of cicadas in Magicicada: A Life Cycle (K–4). Students then work from life to create collage cicadas, origami replicas and poems using facts about cicadas.