Dr. Pete Teel demonstrating some tools entomologists use while collecting insects during the adult leaders session.
Representatives from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences answered questions about Texas A&M University from participants.
Adrienne Brundage teaching some of the younger students during the beginner session of the clinic.
Insect Judging Clinic Helps Youth to "Discover Entomology" and World of Insects
Insects are known for being the most abundant and diverse animals in the world. Students and teachers from Texas K-12 schools got an up close and personal view of this during a special clinic.
The Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University hosted more than 70 adult leaders, teachers, and FFA and 4-H students during a special entomology judging clinic on Saturday, March 27.
This is the 10th year the Department has held the clinic, which helps prepare those involved in FFA and 4H for the 2010 state contests. The state 4-H contest will be held in June in College Station and the FFA contest will be held later this summer at Texas Tech University.
The clinic featured workshops and demonstrations on identification skills for beginners, developing professional skills and techniques in entomology and insect identification, and building resources for a successful entomology judging team for teachers.
During the beginning and advanced workshops, students learned the basics in anatomy, identification and collecting. The adult team leaders had a session on tools and techniques for insect collection led by Professor and Associate Department Head for Academic Programs, Dr. Pete Teel. .
After a short break, the teams were led to the second floor of the Heep Center where they put their newly-learned insect identification skills to the test during an hour-long practice exam.
“This is really a neat experience and its fun outreach to the students,” said graduate student and volunteer Adrienne Brundage.
Brundage said the clinic was a great tool for students to learn about entomology and how entomologists study insects. She said students showed their enthusiasm while listening to her presentation. “They really were excited about it.”
Hillsboro High teacher Bill Woody had two students as well as his daughter, Lyndsey, participating in the contest. He said that this was a great opportunity to get the students prepared and to learn about the study of entomology.
“I have been very impressed so far," Woody said. "This really gives the students a great opportunity that they would not get otherwise."
The sessions wrapped up with a final presentation by Teel titled "Leaving a Legacy: Developing Entomology for Generations to Follow" and a short tour of the TAMU Insect Collection for a small group of participants.
"This is great way to get into the professional atmosphere and to get them into talking and thinking scientifically," Morris said.
The event was sponsored by Plains Cotton Growers, Inc. and the Texas Wheat Producers Board and Association.