Insects are the largest group of animals on the planet.  So of course, it's difficult to identify them all.  But scientists from the Queensland Museum are here to help.

The numbers and types of insects you find in your schoolyard can tell you a lot about its biodiversity and the effect of human impact. In this activity you can also find out about the biodiversity of schoolyards in many parts of Queensland. 

Have you trapped an unusual insect you cannot identify?  Post an inquiry, talk to Dr Christine Lambkin, Curator of Entomology (that's insects) at the Queensland Museum. 

Week 1

Getting Started
Take photographs of your schoolyard and a photo of your group. Tell us a bit about your class and your habitat. Upload to the 'Partners' section of the Virtual Field Trip. Instructions can be found on the "VFT notes" page.

Find and record the physical factors of your habitat. At this time of the year, soil and air temperatures can be cold enough to limit insect activity. Use Backyard Explorer to find out how to take soil temperatures in compacted soil. 

Record your results. To do this, download the data table found under "Resources" on the "VFT notes" page. Upload this table to the "Group Work" page once data has been entered. You can do this later.

Week 2

This week you will trap, identify and record insects on labels in specimen jars, as well as in your data table. Set your pitfall traps and leave them overnight. See Backyard Explorer for more details. Remember to record the trapping method, which is  important in determining habitat.

Advanced students (year 8s and older) should identify each specimen to Order level using the interactive key.

NOTE:  Data table can be dowloaded from the "VFT Notes" page

Week 3

What's your schoolyard like?