A key to good science is that it is reproduceable. This activity will teach students how to use precise language in order to give good directions in future lab reports.
Student who are ready can learn to read a thermometer or a barometer as well as a part of this activity. Make sure to encourage careful record keeping and not accurate predictions. Students should be made aware that one does not "win" science by making correct predictions.
I like this activity because it works well for a wide variety of students. For students who are easily overwhelmed reduce the number of scents to match. High level students could be asked to come up with an idea for another experiment like this one but for a different sense. Consider allergies when you plan this activity!
1.3.1. "Classify living organisms according to variations in specific physical features (e.g., body coverings, appendages) and describe how those features may provide an advantage for survival in different environments."
This activity can be modified for ELL students by having them draw pictures of the bugs they find, rather than writing words or numbers. This can also be adjusted for older groups by having them classify animals they see, which could include mammals, insects, fish, etc. They could also describe many other characteristics, such as the types of food these animals or insects eat.
Students observe different bugs found in nature, and record their characteristics (number of legs, the presence of wings, etc.). The students can then draw their own conclusions about the types of bugs found.