Entomology (Insects)

What is it All About?

Insects (including bees) are everywhere! Learn about different types of insects, the largest group of animals on earth, and why they are essential in our natural world. This project is your chance to collect, study, and display insects you find and learn about forensic entomology.

Grow in Your Project

Beginner

Learn to identify insect parts and various shapes, sizes, and colors of insects
Match an insect’s shape to what it does and explore its adaptations
Collect various insects using different traps
Learn about invasive insect species and the reasons they survive
Explore how understanding insects’ life cycles can help humans

Intermediate

Make insect collection tools such as an aerial net, hand lens, collecting jar, and relaxing jar
Attract and collect insects, then study the diversity of the specimens collected
Use integrated pest management practices in the home
Explore forensic entomology principles to properly identify an insect

Advanced

Conduct research to study entomology
Use the scientific method to record and keep accurate records to use in reporting or sharing what you learn
Explore transect sampling to study and monitor the environmental health of a habitat
Solve crimes by using forensic entomology principles and skills

Member Resources *

Teaming with Insects Curriculum
3 levels (grades 3-12)

Beekeeping Curriculum Series
3 levels (grades 3-12)
— Free downloads —

Project Butterfly WINGS curriculum cover

Project Butterfly WINGS:
Youth Guide
1 level (all grades)

Free Downloads

Going Buggy… with Insects Activity Series (5 activities, grades 2-5)
Entomology Project Sheet

Project Leader Resources

Teaming with Insects:
Facilitator Guide
3 levels (grades 3-12)

Beekeeping:
Facilitator Guide
3 levels (grades 3-12)
— Free downloads —

Project Butterfly WINGS:
Facilitator Guide
1 level (all grades)

Take Your Project Further!

Start raising an insect as a pet or for a hobby. Observe the insect’s behaviors in a variety of settings
Find and study an ant colony over time
Study the life cycle of an insect. A great place to start would be a caterpillar, watch it turn into a cocoon, and then a butterfly or moth
Take a hike and see how many different types of insects you can find
Learn about different types of insecticides. Even learn how to make your own bug repellent
Become a beekeeper and harvest your own honey
Take a field trip to your local co-op or seed dealer to learn about common insects in your area
Visit a lawn care company to learn how they control pests
Research careers related to entomology

Applying Project Skills to Life

Enhance Your Communication Skills

Do a presentation on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to help solve an insect related problem
Do a presentation on insects at your local County Fair or at a 4-H Exhibit

Get Involved in Citizenship and Service

Create a community flower garden to attract beneficial insects
Take your insect collection to an elementary school or nursing home and show it to others
Make an insect craft with your club members and donate them to a local hospital or nursing home to use as tray favors
Work with a beekeeper or raise your own bees to provide honey to a local food pantry or family in need

Learn about Leadership

Host a club bug collecting contest to help member learn about insects in your area
Host a Cloverbud meeting about insects
Develop and implement a biological control program for an invasive species

Showing What You’ve Learned

A collection of insects that are mounted and labeled
A display of insect body parts
Create a pitfall insect trap
Make a model of an insect’s eye
Display on types of insect control in the home
Insect trap
Poster on insect metamorphosis
Display of insect leg parts
Poster on understanding insect pesticide labels
Plans for a butterfly garden
Display of various types of insect mouths
Display of various types of insect wings
A pinning kit

Adapted with permission from Wyoming State 4-H, Project Information Sheet, Entomology. Retrieved from: https://www.uwyo.edu/4-h/projects/natural-resource-education/entomology.html.

*Resources available at your local Extension office or shop4-H.org.

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