The Badge Archive

Bug Internet Search

Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Bugs badge requirements.

Info Needed for Badge Requirements – See Below

Items Needed:

  • Computer with internet access
  • Projector or screen (optional)
  • Crayons or markers
  • Blank paper (one sheet per scout)

Instructions (Total Estimated Time: 35 minutes)

  1. Choose a Bug and Research (10–12 minutes)
    • Scouts pick a bug they want to learn more about
    • Use kid-friendly websites to find facts with leader support
    • Make sure each scout has enough information to create a poster
  2. Create Bug Poster (10–12 minutes)
    • Scouts draw their chosen bug on paper
    • Leave space for labels and writing fun facts
  3. Add Bug Facts (8–10 minutes)
    • Scouts label parts of the bug
    • Then write answers to the following questions on their poster:
      • Where does the bug live?
      • How long does it live?
      • What does it eat?
      • What is good about the bug?
      • What is not so good about it?
      • Who are its enemies?
  4. Share and Reflect (3–5 minutes)
    • Scouts take turns showing their posters
    • They share one fact they liked learning and one surprise they discovered

Info Required for Requirement 1 – For Any Bug

Where My Bug Lives
Example: forest, garden, under leaves, underground, on water
➤ _______________________________________________

How Long My Bug Lives
Example: a few weeks, a year, only as a caterpillar, long life like tarantulas
➤ _______________________________________________

What My Bug Eats
Example: plants, leaves, nectar, other bugs, wood, blood
➤ _______________________________________________

What’s Good About My Bug
Example: pollinates plants, cleans up nature, controls pests, makes silk
➤ _______________________________________________
➤ _______________________________________________

What’s Not So Good About My Bug
Example: may bite or sting, ruins plants, can be scary, spreads germs
➤ _______________________________________________
➤ _______________________________________________

Who My Bug’s Enemies Are
Example: birds, frogs, spiders, humans, other bugs
➤ _______________________________________________

Main Bug Parts (Label these on the poster if possible)

  • Head
  • Eyes
  • Antennae or feelers
  • Mouth or jaws
  • Legs (how many?)
  • Wings (if any)
  • Body sections (like thorax or abdomen)
  • Special parts (like spinnerets, stingers, pincers, proboscis)

Recommended Bug Fact Websites for Scouts

Tia Kennard