Jovanni Villalon studying a beetle during a class demonstration. Photo Submitted by Molly Keck, Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Mikayla Avila looks at a millipede during a "Life in the Rotting Log" experiments, where campers got to see what goes on in an insects' natural habitat. Photo Submitted by Molly Keck, Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Camp Gives Youths Fun Insight into Entomology
The summer camp held by the Bexar County AgriLife Extension office was no ordinary camp. Kids in Molly Keck’s Insect Camp studied science and nature including everything about insects, during the three day interactive camp held in late July.
Campers learned the basics about bugs, including insect collection techniques, anatomy and biology, and how insects interact with humans. Keck said the kids also had an opportunity to learn during fun hands-on experiments and collecting expeditions.
Keck said the most memorable experiment was called “Life in A Rotting Log”, which involved the campers having the chance to watch insects in action by digging through a few rotting logs that were set out prior to the camp. The campers touched and played with the insects and saw how insects use the rotting log for food and shelter. The camper also watched how the insects lived together in their own niches.
Another favorite used by Keck was the termite communication experiment, in which campers used different pens to determine which pens had the drying agent that mimicked termite trailing pheromones. Once campers discovered that ballpoint pens had the correct drying agent, campers drew different shapes to see if termites would follow certain shaped trails. The kids learned that straight lines or long curves are a termite favorite and sharp turns make it difficult for the termites to keep track of the trail.
Campers also learned about important insects that affect humans, such as mosquitoes. Keck taught them how mosquitoes lived and their life cycle. In addition, campers also learned some tips to take home about preventing mosquitoes from infesting their homes. Keck said campers also saw up close how mosquitoes grow from larvae to adult in small containers.
Other activities the campers participated included learning about passive and active entomophagy (the consumption of insects as food), as well as watching the life stages of butterflies and completing a 4-H project in entomology. All the campers received special awards for attending including taking home their insect collections.
“The kids learned to appreciate entomology, the outdoors, nature, and our ecosystem through fun and interactive educational activities,” Keck said.
Keck said next year’s camps will be held July 16-19 AND July 23-26, 2012 from 9am to 12pm. The cost is $100 for new campers and $50 for returning participants.
For more information about the camps or to register, contact Molly Keck at mekeck@ag.tamu.edu .