Insects and arachnids are two major groups of arthropods (creatures with exoskeletons, segmented bodies, and jointed appendages). The main difference between the two are that insects have three body segments and six legs while arachnids have two body segments and eight legs.

In today's activities, you'll first help classify the different plastic bugs based on characteristics. Included is a basic dichotomous key to help you identify which type of arachnid it is. (For a more detailed dichotomous key with winged and non-winged insects, check out: http://www.insectidentification.org/insect-key.asp)

The second of today's activities is to create your own insect or arachnid with the "Insect Model Making Kit." Decide what type of insect you wish to make, referring to the different books, posters, samples, and reference sheets around the room. (For a virtual exercise, try out: http://www.mylearning.org/minibeasts/interactive/311/)