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The primary task of school is to implement the teaching material contained in the core curriculum for a given subject. In the case of biology, in addition to classroom teaching, field classes are recommended because they teach an understanding of the interdependencies between different elements of the environment, and also shape a positive attitude towards the surrounding natural world. The implemented curriculum is based on general knowledge about groups of organisms and their characteristics, and usually does not focus on specific species. In teaching, it is worth basing the knowledge being conveyed on examples that can be observed in the immediate vicinity or to point out the biological diversity of the local environment. This is important because very often we notice common and abundant species, but we do not always know their names, not to mention anything more about them. This is one of a series of journal articles aimed to introduce common species of plants and animals, and to suggest activities for students in the field, thus shaping their attitudes towards research as well as honing their observation skills. This specific article includes proposals relating to different aspects of biology education, didactic proposals for teachers of naturalists, and the independent formulation of conclusions concerning diversity among insects, with a special focus on a group of odonates, which are characteristic of aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

They have large compound eyes and short antennae on their heads, a massive thorax where the legs and wings are found, and a clearly elongated abdomen. Their membranous wings are densely veined. They are the most skilful fliers among insects, and can hover in one place for long periods of time by rapidly moving their wings. Most odonates have vivid, beautiful coloration, often with a metallic sheen. They have biting-type mouth organs equipped with numerous teeth. They are predators that catch their prey in flight. Mating takes place in flight and is preceded by fighting between males. Odonates undergo incomplete metamorphosis and have larval organs (mask, gills) allowing them to live in water. They are efficient predators. Two groups can be distinguished among the odonates by the size and structure of their wings. Damselflies have both pairs of wings tapering towards the base and are identical. When perched, the wings are folded along the abdomen (sometimes slightly raised). Dragonflies have wings in which the front pair differs in shape from the back pair, which is also broad at the base. The wings remain spread out to the sides when perching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]