Different types of insects:

Bees- stinging, winged insects that are similar to wasps, they are known for producing wax/honey and their role in pollination. They live in large communities called swarms (Knight, n.d.).

Mosquitos- they are small flies that have a thin body with a pair of wings and 6 thin, hair-like legs. They are known for feeding on the blood of other animals, including humans (Anon., 2022).

Why different insects have different qualities:
Insects come in all different vibrant colours and patterns. This aids with body protection, signalling and physiological adaptations.
The different colours and patterns also convey information such as species identification, individual quality distinguishing and telling ecological aspects of the animals' life (Badejo O, Skaldina O, Gilev A, Sorvari J, 2020).

Activity: The teacher must show learners different types of real insects under a magnifying glass. The learners must experiment with the insects by observing them and then identifying each one. The learners must then note down their observations by drawing the insects they saw.

Insects are a food source to other animals and humans, they form an integral part of the food chain.
They assist us in various ways such as waste recycling, pollination and various other ways which is very important for plants, other animals and humans (Anon., 2023).

Activity: Give learners any form of powder (example; sand) and tell them that it represents pollen. Ask the learners to pretend to be insects and pollinate the flowers. See who completes "pollinating" the most flowers in the given time. Thereafter discuss how this fun activity depicts the role of insects that help us by transferring pollen from one flower to another.

Each insect has a unique role to play in the ecosystem, their presence is important for a healthy environment (Anon., 2023).

Insects can contribute greatly towards livelihood and social benefits: Insect gathering create important livelihood opportunities, as they are very easily accessible in the wild. Farming insects is also very cheap and require minimal expenditure for harvesting and equipment. Therefore insect farming also provides opportunity for entrepreneurship.(Vantomme,2013)

Insects can be used as a source of food for other animals as well as humans. They can be processed or consumed whole. They are an excellent source of protein that is equal to that of meat and fish, and they are also high in fibre. This is a cheaper source of protein in some areas as they are easily accessible and more cost effective than meant and fish, thus providing food security (Vantomme,2013).

Activity: Present all different types edible insects to students and allow them to explore and taste the different insects while at the same time, explaining their nutritional value and how they are used in some cultures.

Insects feed on bio waste such as food, compost and human waste, they then change it into excellent quality protein for animals to feed on (this is called decomposition/ nutrient cycling). Thus having a positive impact on the environment (Vantomme,2013).

Insects serve as food sources for other animals which helps maintain biodiversity. Insect farming is less land dependent than the usual livestock farming, they also use a much lesser amount of water than livestock which makes them drought resistant and hence environmentally friendly (Vantomme,2013).

Activity: Take learners outside and allow them to observe the insects they come across, encourage their curiosity and allow them to see how insects interact with the environment. Discuss the positive roles that insects play in our environment.

Insects can sometimes be a nuisance by damaging crops, spreading diseases and causing allergies (James, 1993).

In history, certain insects like locusts have caused some devastating crop damage that led to famine (Anon., 2006).

Activity: The teacher must show the learners fun informative videos dealing with the harmful impacts of insects. The teacher must then engage the learners in discussion regarding this. The teacher can also take learners outside to observe the insects.

Different insects have different habitat preferences, so the structures vary. Their habitat includes things like plants, rocks soil, water sources and other natural features that provide structure (Jason,2020). For example, butterflies would prefer a habitat structure that has many colourful flowers, plants and open areas for flying and basking in the sun.

Insects as a cultural tradition: Insects have cultural significance in different societies. Some cultures use insects in traditional medication or as ingredients in traditional dishes. They are also featured in folklore, storytelling, art as well as in fashion and design (Badejo, Skaldina, Gilev & Sorvari, 2020).