Specific Aims of the Backyard Bugs Curriculum

This software is for students in grades K-5 to
learn about life science and other science concepts through exploration and
discovery of the insect world. The software is structured in such a way that
interaction with it reflects how science is done, emphasizing inquiry and
discovery as a way of achieving knowledge and understanding. Standards from
the eight categories described in the National Science Education Content
Standards for grades K–5 are addressed within this framework.

Summary of Research Results
A large and diverse sample of students, teachers, and learning environments was incorporated into the field tests. Data collection and analyses examined “hands-on” learning outcomes and their relationship to a variety of demographic factors. The feedback teachers provided on the teacher survey instrument yielded consistent and positive ratings regarding the value, appropriateness, interest level and novelty of the Backyard Bugs materials. Since the teacher’s role as the facilitator of the learning environment is critical, the high regard for the materials that these teachers expressed is a very valuable finding.

Selected Quotes from Teachers
“Excellent quality. The videos were awesome… Being able to watch the metamorphosis is much better than just describing it.”
“Very appropriate. Also good to have the habitats for each sections...illustrates where different animals live.”
“We loved it! We were oohing and ahhing a lot. The bugs were so cool and interesting.”
“Liked how up-close they are. We loved the microscope section as well. Wonderful!”
“I loved it all - I haven't seen anything like it. It was wonderful to experience. The children had the best time! We had an Author Study on Eric Carle and they were asking questions about the whirligig beetle and the butterfly and cricket to his stories about those bugs.”
“I liked interacting with the different habitats. “
“Absolutely outstanding! We could never see it really happen in nature! Easy to access”
“Interesting - I like being able to stop and study a frame and then move on.”
“Insects are age-appropriate and integrate with our 3rd grade science standards.”
“Students loved the fact that these bugs could be found near them.”
“Math - especially graph exercises provide practice of skills outside math class." “Insects are studied via lab, text, and research, so this is a perfect extension.”
“Many of the students in this class receive Title I services. The students thoroughly enjoyed the software. In fact they have asked me for more bugs! This program has really helped them understand the frailness of our environment. An extra bonus is...I learned so much too!”
“They loved the biodiversity lesson, because they had a field guide to match up.” “Monarch survival simulation - they loved how it was a game.”
“The software grabbed the attention of my students. It was great for my English Language Learners that need a visual.”

The diversity of the student sample, as manifested by ethnicity, age, gender, socio-economic status, and geographic representation, speaks to the potential of Backyard Bugs to be utilized on a broad basis. Related to ethnic diversity, the findings of statistical comparisons between minority and non-minority students as well as between Hispanic and non-Hispanic students were of particular interest and value. While significant pre-post test gains were observed for the entire sample, the minority students evidenced a level of gain that was significantly greater than non-minority students. Further, the minority students’ performance on the science journal pages was equal to their non-minority counterparts. The same trend of findings was observed when comparing the Hispanic to the non-Hispanic students. This shows the potential of the Backyard Bugs materials to “level the playing field” for students who are often the most challenged by traditional learning environments and teaching materials.