WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University’s Department of Entomology will bring Tippecanoe County fifth-graders to campus on Tuesday (Oct. 13) for its 13th annual Science on Six Legs: An Insectaganza of Education.
Betty Bee greets Tippecanoe County students at the 2007 Insectaganza.
More than 760 fifth-graders, 32 teachers and 70 adult chaperones from 12 different schools will participate in a full day of insect activities designed to promote science education through the biology, ecology, diversity and the novelty of insects. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The program was first created as a result of requests from fifth-grade teachers for insect-related talks that would address the Indiana State Academic Standards for Science.
“Our goals for Insectaganza are to facilitate science education and promote awareness of the field of entomology by engaging students and entertaining them, while also providing them the opportunity to experience a university campus firsthand,” said Melissa Shepson, educational outreach coordinator for Purdue entomology. “It serves as an exceptional opportunity to jump-start interest in science while promoting higher education.”
Students will participate in “Mesozoic Insects,” an insect lecture led by Purdue entomologist Jeffery Holland; insect dissection, led by undergraduate and graduate entomology students; “Entomology Live!” a theatre presentation led by Purdue entomologist Tom Turpin; and “Quiz Bowl,” moderated by Purdue entomologist Arwin Provonsha.
