Ladybug Release

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The 101 first grade students at Willis Lane Elementary participated in the Lady Bug Release. 1,000 ladybugs were released into our WOLF, Willis Outdoor Learning Facility. The 1,000 ladybugs were purchased at our local gardening store for $10.00. The students observed the release and watched them work. The students have been learning the benefits of certain insects and how they help our environment and what can be done to protect our earth.  The students wrote reflections in their journals and also answered questions and drew illustrations in their ladybug book. The release was done in April 2014.

Information students were taught:

Beneficial garden ladybugs for controlling pests in your garden are the most popular and widely used beneficial insects for school gardens and home use. Ladybugs are capable of consuming up to 50 to 60 aphids per day but will also eat a variety of other insects and larvae including scales, mealy bugs, leaf hoppers, mites, and various types of soft-bodied insects. Ladybugs, also called lady beetles or ladybird beetles, are a very beneficial group of insects. Ladybugs are natural enemies of many insect pests and it has been demonstrated that a single ladybug may consume as many as 5,000 aphids in its lifetime.

Social Studies Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS):

1.6A_3: The students will identify and describe natural resources as items provided by nature from which people produce goods and provide services.

1.6B: The students will identify natural resources of the community.