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Bug Busters

A two-part fifth-grade science sequence investigating how insects can be annoying nuisances, bite and sting, and damage crops and homes. Specially scaffolded with high-visual supports, decodable text chunks, and guided practice for lower-literacy learners.

Pesky Biters

Students explore biting, stinging, and buzzing insects such as mosquitoes, wasps, and fleas. Through visual symptom guides and chunked text, students identify why these insects bother humans and how bites happen.

Crop Chompers

Students investigate how insects can become destructive nuisances by munching crops, invading pantries, and chewing wooden buildings. Learners review evidence and assess whether pests can also have beneficial roles in nature.

Bug Busters

A two-part fifth-grade science sequence investigating how insects can be annoying nuisances, bite and sting, and damage crops and homes. Specially scaffolded with high-visual supports, decodable text chunks, and guided practice for lower-literacy learners.

Stripes, paper nest, smooth repeated stinger.

Part 3: True / False

1. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water: TRUE.

2. Bug spit makes mosquito bites itch: TRUE.

3. Houseflies chew food with teeth: FALSE.

4. Wasps can sting more than once: TRUE.

Part 4: Fill in the Missing Word

1. Houseflies carry dirty germs on their feet.

2. Dump old buckets of water to stop mosquitoes.

3. Dogs scratch when tiny jumping fleas bite them.

Part 5: Sample Sentence Responses

• "To stop mosquitoes, I can dump old water out of buckets."

• "To stop flies, I can close the screen door tight."

• "To stop fleas, I can give my dog a bath."

Common Student Misconceptions

Misconception 1: "All mosquitoes bite humans."
Correction: Only female mosquitoes bite because they need protein for their eggs; male mosquitoes drink harmless flower nectar.

Misconception 2: "Houseflies bite like dogs."
Correction: Flies have zero teeth. They spit digestive juice to liquefy solids and drink it like soup.

Bug Busters • Teacher Instructional Guide Page 2 of 2

"Termites have special gut bacteria to digest cellulose."

10. Pollinator

Say it: PAH-luh-nay-ter

Meaning: A helpful insect that moves pollen between flowers so fruit can grow.

"Honeybees are pollinators that help apple trees make fruit."

11. Predator

Say it: PREH-duh-ter

Meaning: An animal or insect that hunts and eats other bugs.

"The ladybug is a fierce predator that eats plant aphids."

12. Repellent

Say it: rih-PEL-uhnt

Meaning: A spray or lotion that smells bad to bugs and keeps them away from us.

"We put bug repellent on our arms before going into the woods."

Bug Busters Student Reference Sheet Page 2 of 2

  • • Termites clean up dead logs in deep forests.
  • The Big Idea: Bugs are only pests when they bother people or damage our food and homes!


    Bug Detective Final Mission

    Investigation Time

    1. Inspect

    Read the short clues on your Damage Report.

    2. Match

    Match each bug to the damage it caused.

    3. Decide

    Write your verdict: Is the bug a Friend or a Foe?

    Open your Damage Report Worksheet to begin!

    Checked: Pantry Weevil

    Webs and dark bugs inside flour box.

    Part 3: Choose Best Answer

    Question 1: B

    They eat all the crops fast.

    Question 2: A

    Ladybugs eat pests off green plants.

    Part 4: Friend vs Foe Sort

    Helpful Friends: Honeybee, Ladybug

    Destructive Foes: Termite, Locust

    Note: Remind students that termites clean dead wood in forests.

    Part 5: Sample Acceptable Verdict Responses

    1. "A bug is a FOE when it eats our food / chews houses / bites people."

    2. "A bug is a FRIEND when it helps plants grow / makes honey / eats pests."

    Nature's Balance Concept

    Help students see that insects do not make malicious choices. They eat to survive. An insect is termed a "nuisance" or "pest" only when its natural behavior disrupts human dwellings, food supply, or comfort.

    Bug Busters • Teacher Instructional Guide Page 2 of 2

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