Entomology Project
By: Devin Ramsey, 4-H Agent
Last time we talked about one of the most popular projects in 4-H so lets talk about one not so popular but still very important. Entomology! The study of insects. Almost three-fourths of all animals are insects and impact our lives in both good and bad ways. Insects carry diseases and compete with us for food but they are also very important to us as well. Most importantly pollinations our crops but also controlling other insect pests and recycling organic matter.
Starting out with this project in 4-H would include learning how insects move and look. Fun activities may include building a compound eye, identify insects and observing their habits. This will help you in preparing your insect collection to be show at the fair. You will make an insect collection kit, and make traps and baits.
There is a wide variety of things you can do with this project in 4-H such as attending the Kansas 4-H Insect Spectacular. Project ideas for the fair could be an insect collection box which is the most common but also most difficult. If you are just getting started and don’t feel comfortable making a box quite yet. Start out with making a poster or educational display. Some ideas could be parts of an insect, pest management and the life cycle.
Check out more about this project here https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/4H1106.pdf. Reach out to any of the Wild West District Extension Offices for more information about 4-H.
