Bug Buddies Studies
This Christian-based set of studies introduces children to variety of amazing insects. Each lesson emphasizes a Biblical concept relating it to a specific insect, and encourages children to dig deeper and learn more about insects. They are child-directed, designed to get them questioning and digging for the answers, and encourages them to use their creativity. These studies do not throw out a lot of facts which your child is expected to memorize. Children learn through investigation, hands-on activities, games, repetition, and creating. Children can create file folder books for each study to help them remember and categorize what they have learned. Children will enjoy looking back at what they have learned, and sharing it with others. (Learn more about lapbooking.)
The name of this series, "Bug Buddies", was chosen because the Bible tells us that all the things God created are good. Although creation has changed since the "fall" and disease and death have been introduced, we can still find good in all God's creation, even in mosquitoes and poisonous spiders.
These studies are great for home school because they can be adapted to any age level. By sharing books and information about each insect with your children, and helping them find the answers to their questions, children at any level can learn a great deal from these studies. They not only teach scientific concepts, but incorporate biblical concepts, and emphasize how wonderful God's creation is.
Each study consists of these main areas:
1. A Bug Buddy Study - A short Lesson about an insect and how it can be related to a biblical concept including:
 1. Biblical Truth Activities
2. Bible Verse Activities - Games, manipulative, etc.
3. New Words Activities - Children make mini shape books and games to help them review new words.
2. Hands-on Learning Activities:
Crafts relating to the lesson including: coloring sheets, 3D and paper models of the bug, habitat, etc.
3. Digging In:
1. Experiments relating to the insect.
2. Worksheets and forms.
3. Suggested books to read with related activities.
4. Suggested web sites to check out.
Studies Included in this Series:
 Study 1 - Introduction
Seek and Find
Biblical: God is a lot like the bugs around us. We don't often see bugs but we know they are there because we see signs of them all around us. We can't see God, but we can know he is there because we can see his wonderful creation.
Scientific - Children learn the difference between insects and spiders, and where to look for all types of bugs.
 Study 2 - Goliath Beetle
The Best Kind of Armor
Biblical: God gave insects armor to protect them from their enemies. He has also given us armor to protect us from our enemies.
Scientific: The Goliath beetle's exoskeleton is like a suit of armor that protects its body.
 Study 3 - Water Strider
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
Biblical: Jesus is the Son of God. When we keep our eyes
on Jesus instead of focusing on our problems, he will give us the
strength we need to face our fears.
Scientific: God designed water striders so they can easily float on water. They are very light and their feet are covered by microscopic hairs that form air bubbles that repel the water which enable them to float.
 Study 4 - Golden Tortoise Beetle
Changing Colors
Biblical: Golden Tortoise Beetles change their colors when they are disturbed or stressed. People can also change their colors, or act differently in different circumstances. Jesus wants us to always act like Christians and stand up for what is right no matter what the circumstances.
Scientific - Children learn how and why Tortoise Beetles change colors and look at other animals that change colors.
Study 5 - Honey Bees
Created for a Purpose
Biblical: God created bees for a special purpose. They each have an important job. God loves you and knows you, and created you to do good works.
Scientific: Bees are very important to us. They
help pollinate the flowers of plants that produce much of the food we eat.
 Study 6 - Ants
Consider the Ants
Biblical: We can learn from the
ants and become wise. The ants do their work even when they don't
have someone telling them what to do.
Scientific: Every ant in the colony has an important job to do. They work together for the good of the colony.
 Study 7- Walking Stick Bug
Standout for Jesus!
Biblical: Jesus doesn't want us to be like stick bugs that blend in to their environment. He wants us to be an example to others. We should not be conformed to this world, but stand out
so that others will see Jesus  shining through our lives.
Scientific: God created stick bugs to look like twigs and branches so they would be hard to see. This protects them from predators or hides them from potential prey.
 Study 8 - Inchworm
God's Love is Immeasurable
Biblical: We can't measure God's love or ever really understand how much
he loves us. It is higher than the heavens, everlasting, never fails,
and is priceless. Only his love is perfect.
Scientific: There are many ways to measure and compare things, but nothing compares to God.
 Study 9 - Ladybug
Real Friends
Biblical: Jesus
helped many people. He was sent to save the world. We should
follow Jesus' example.
Scientific: Ladybugs are helpful
insects. People like to see them around because they know that they
can help save their plants from being destroyed by aphids.
 Study 10 - Mosquitoes
What Kind of Friend Are You?
Biblical: True friends are helpful
not harmful.
Scientific: Mosquitoes seem like "bad" bugs because they bite and carry dieseases, but they are also very important. They provide food for birds, fish, bats, and frogs, and help pollinate flowers.
 Study 11 - Dung Beetle
Work for the Lord
Biblical: Every bug God created has a purpose, and an important part to play in this world. And every person in this world has a purpose and is important. Every job is important in one way or another; and God wants us to do our job to the best of our abilities even if we don't like doing it.
 Study 12 - Antennae
Feelers
Biblical: Children learn how to
have empathy - sharing the feelings of others. Based on Romans 12:15.
Scientific: Children are introduced to different kinds of antennae and learn what bugs use them for.
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