Free Printables Insects and Spiders Lesson Plans and Activities

Do you like insects or do they just bug you? Whether you're a hexapoda aficionado (bug lover) or a you have a phobia of the little critters, it's important to understand insects and spiders and their place in the environment. Here are free printable bug activities and lesson plans to help.

If there's something creepy crawly in your neighborhood, who you gonna call? Bug Busters, aka Orkin Pest Control. Check out Orkin's online learning center for free printable insect lesson plans, bug identification charts, insect coloring pages, bug information, insect activity booklets, games, puzzles and worksheets.

Here's a beautifully illustrated color Insect Identification booklet. This free printable guide features detailed images of bugs, plus information on bug habits and habitats. This will help identify safe and dangerous insects in the home, yard and environment.

There are two free printable packets for parents and educators to use with children. If you like the materials, there is a free registration link to get more materials. Click here for the primary activity pack for grades kindergarten through third grade. Click here for the intermediate activity pack for grades 4-6.

Click here for the Orkin Pest Library; this resource is has helpful printable diagrams, charts, images and activities. There is a separate list of materials about ants, flies, cockroaches, rodents, termites, stinging pest, other pests and wildlife.

Click here for a free printable 10-page booklet with bug games, puzzles, experiments and crafts. Use these materials as lessons in school or homeschool. You can also send them home as homework. These resources make excellent activities for scout merit badge and nature center summer camps.

Here is a link for the O.Orkin Insect Zoo at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. On this site, you'll find a free printable eight-page insect booklet. Here is a printable guide for the butterfly exhibit. Even if you don't visit, this activity guide can be used with students. Click here for a complete list of free printable resources based on each exhibit in the natural history museum at the Smithsonian.

A unit on insects is a great way to kick off the school year.