Pests provide a fascinating entry point into many curricular subjects, including biology, ecology, environment and health. Use our lesson plans to teach insect anatomy, the social life of termites, the scientific inquiry process and much more. Our lessons emphasize both content and process skills and support standards from the National Science Teachers Association and the National Council of Teachers of English.

Grades K-2: Intro To Pests

Intro to Pests Lesson Plan

This lesson introduces students to a wide variety of common pests. Students will learn about basic needs, pest damage, and self-protection measures against certain pests. Some of the activities include playing a game, creating a class book and reading a story about a commonly found pest.

Grades K-2: Totally Termites

Termite Anatomy diagram Lesson Plan

Explore the world of termites with this lesson, which includes a close-up look at termite specimens, special termite adaptations and insect anatomy. Students will also learn about property risks associated with termites, and how pest control professionals can solve termite problems.

Grades 3-5: Termitology

Termite Life Cycle diagram Lesson Plan

This lesson will engage students in an inquiry-based study of the ecology of termites. Through hands-on investigations, students will explore the life cycle of termites, the termite's role in the food web, and the unique social structure of termite colonies. (Supports the Pest Detective learning game.)

Grades 3-5: Before They Were Pests

Before They Were Pests diagram

In this lesson, students will explore the native habitats and behaviors of common pests to understand why and how household pests enter our homes. Students will examine the relationship between humans and pests and the limited habitat and resources shared by both. (Supports The Pest Rangers learning game.)

Grades 3-6: Pest Detective - A New Case

snapshot of pest detective storyboard handout

In this six-session lesson, students use the PestWorldforKids.org’s “Pest Detective” game and “Pest Guide” section to write their own mystery. As they research culprits and innocent suspects to use in their new case, students will learn about pests' basic needs, pest damage and how to prevent infestations.(Supports The Pest Detective learning game.)

Grades 4-8: Pest PSA

Intro to Pests Lesson Plan

In this six-session lesson, students use the PestWorldforKids.org “Pest Guide” section to develop a Public Service Announcement (PSA) for their school community. The ad campaign will communicate the threats and impacts a pest may cause and methods for preventing an infestation. Students should include when it is necessary to call in a pest management professional to control an infestation.

Grades 4-8: Pest Taxonomy

Intro to Pests Lesson Plan

During the first session of this two-session lesson, students use the different species represented in the PestWorldforKids.org’s “Pest Guide” section to learn how living things are grouped together according to the characteristics they share. Students then work in small groups to construct a taxonomy chart for the species represented in the “Pest Guide” and discover how classical taxonomy helps the scientific community organize the natural world.

Critter Crafts

Critter Crafts

In this series of instructional videos, you'll find arts and crafts projects inspired by everything from creepy crawlers to beautiful butterflies. Follow along while watching the videos, or download instructions for each individual project to share with your students.

Visit Critter Crafts