Cicada Life Cycle Worksheet
Every spring, my kids and I wait in anticipation for the first signs of cicadas buzzing in the backyard. It’s the perfect time to pull out our Cicada Life Cycle Worksheet and turn those curious questions into a hands-on science lesson.
This activity is also part of my collection of free Life Cycle Worksheets for Kids, which is packed with hands-on resources for learning everything about insects. You can check that list to explore more printable science fun.
If you’re like me and love weaving seasonal themes into your homeschool days, this printable is a great addition to your nature studies.
I’ll show you what’s included in the worksheet and how we’ve used it at home. There are five engaging pages designed to help young learners understand how cicadas grow and change. Continue reading to discover all the details and tips to make this printable a fun addition to your science routine.
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Interesting and Uncommon Cicada Facts
Cicadas are full of surprises, and there’s more to them than the sound they make on summer afternoons. Here are a few facts that caught my kids’ attention and kept the conversation going long after we wrapped up our worksheet.
- Some cicadas spend up to 17 years underground before emerging.
- They have five eyes — two large compound eyes and three tiny ones on top of their heads.
- When cicadas molt, they leave behind a complete shell of their exoskeleton on trees and plants.
For more bug activities, see these insect worksheets for kids.
Recommended Books About Cicadas
If your kids are asking more questions than you can answer, these cicada-themed books are great for adding more depth to your insect studies.
Cicada City: A Bug Club Story (Bug Club Stories)Facts About the Cicada (A Picture Book For Kids)Cicadas Fun Facts Book for Kids: 40 Fun and Educational Facts About the Emerging 2024 Brood XIII and Brood XIXWhen Will Cicada Sing? (Little Fingers, Big Science {non-fiction picture books for young children})The Cicadas Are Coming!: Invasion of the Periodical Cicadas!Cicadas Don’t Bug Me
Why should kids need to learn about cicadas?
Cicadas provide a great introduction to the concept of life cycles, offering a unique perspective compared to more commonly studied insects. When we studied them for the first time, my son was fascinated by how long they live underground before they even see the light of the sun. It sparked questions that led us down a rabbit hole of soil, tunnels, and insect survival.
They also help kids build observational skills. Once you know what to look for, you start noticing those empty cicada shells all over the trees — something we’d missed thoroughly before. It’s been a great way to make our outdoor walks more purposeful and exciting.
My Favorite Bug Life Cycle Printable Packs
I’ve also created a few other printable packs perfect for life cycle studies. They’re a great way to build a science lesson that your kids will look forward to.
What skills can kids learn from these cicada science worksheets?
This worksheet isn’t just about cicadas — it’s an excellent tool for building early science and literacy skills. Here are a few key takeaways kids can gain from using it:
- Sequencing and comprehension: Understanding the order of the cicada’s life stages helps with reading comprehension and logical thinking.
- Vocabulary development: Learning words like “nymph” and “molting” builds science vocabulary in a fun and memorable way.
- Fine motor practice: Cutting and pasting labels and pictures provides kids with an opportunity to strengthen their hand muscles while staying engaged.
Recommended Cicada Toys
Adding a toy or two to your cicada study can make learning feel like play and help reinforce what they’ve learned with hands-on interaction.
NCAIUNAE Beetle and Cicada Plush Toy – Realistic Cicada Filling Animal Plush Pillow Toy Girl and Boy Adult Festival Gift -19.7 Inches (Black)BESTonZON Traditional Chinese Bamboo Cicadas DIY Handmade Noise Maker Toy for Toddlers and Boy Girl Unique Cicada Toy for CreativeMIKNEKE Montessori Life Cycle Animal Figurines Learning & Education Toys, Plastic Insect Life Cycle Toys for Kids, Preschool Learning Activities for Toddlers (Cicada)
Life Cycle of Cicada Printable Supplies
Here’s what I suggest having on hand when using this printable:
- Printer (I have this one)
- Paper
- Pencil
- Crayons
- Scissors
- Glue
I have the HP printer 8710, but it’s not available anymore. It’s been running well for years now. Look for another HP Instant Ink-ready printer so that you can use their program to send you ink cartridges whenever your printer gets low on ink.
What’s Included in the Cicada Life Cycle Printable Pack?
Cicada Life Cycle Diagram
This page features a full-color visual guide of the cicada’s life stages. It’s great for introducing the topic and reviewing the main concepts at a glance.
Life Cycle Labeling: Word Bank
In this activity, children use a word bank to label each stage of the cicada’s life cycle. I like to do this one with my child while we talk through each part together.
Life Cycle Labeling: Cut and Paste (Black and White)
This black and white version lets kids cut out both the stage names and illustrations to glue into the correct spots. It’s perfect if you want to include a coloring element, too.
Life Cycle Labeling: Cut and Paste (Colored)
This version is identical to the one above, but it includes colored images. I like using this as a follow-up review page once we’ve gone over the diagram and practiced labeling.
Fun Insect Activities for Kids to Try
Want to extend the fun? Here are more insect-themed activities we’ve enjoyed at home:
- Parts of a Dragonfly Worksheet
- Insect Life Cycle Activities
- Books About Insects for Kindergarten
- Difference Between Spiders and Insects Worksheets
- Bug Preschool Pattern Worksheets by Homeschool Preschool
- Printable Preschool Bug Activities by Simple Everyday Mom
When kids engage in hands-on learning, the facts tend to stick, and it keeps their curiosity rolling.
Cicadas might not be the first insect that comes to mind for a science lesson, but they’re one of the most fascinating. With this worksheet, you’ll have everything you need to guide your kids through their life cycle in a simple, fun, and engaging way.