PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE WORK OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL FOUNDATION

Proceeds will support the following educational programs and services of the Entomological Foundation

Assessments

The Foundation is working in partnership with organizations that have a stake in entomological, ecological, and environmental education, to provide teachers and students with access to a diversity of entomological educational resources that will increase their understanding of the role that insects play in our environment. The new partnerships created through this program will increase the capacity of teachers and volunteer youth leaders to incorporate entomological programming into current formal and informal science-based educational programs. Resource materials in the following areas will be made freely available through a virtual library. The goals of this program are to:

· Establish youth learning goals and objectives for informal and formal educational settings.

· Determine and prioritize critical education issues and topics to be addressed through youth education.

· Identify and communicate effective youth education programs and materials.

· Select and catalogue educational materials, delivery systems, and model programs in an easy to understand virtual library for students and educators. Many resources will be made available for immediate download through the virtual library.

CURRICULUM

Insect Appreciation Digest

Insect Appreciation Digest is an entomology educational sourcebook to help educators teach students everything they need to know about insects. This resource guide provides learning experiences on insect collecting; insect orders; insect structure and function; insect biology; interaction with humans; and insects in folklore. Requested by teachers, volunteer youth leaders, and parents, this sourcebook is being integrated in science courses in classrooms and home-schools throughout the United States.

Biodiversity Insect Boxes

This hands-on activities " box " presents opportunities for youth to learn about the diversity of insects while conducting real scientific studies. Activities help to increase awareness and encourage students to become entomologists. Developed through Discover Life in America, the Insect Boxes are distributed to students and educators participating in park education programs at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is the most visited National Park in the United States.

Guidelines for Modules to Teach Entomology

This project, implemented by the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and funded by the Entomological Foundation, will identify the basic competencies of an entomologically literate person in grades K-12 and post-secondary levels. The project will result in a process to assist in assessing and developing educational materials for use with young people in formal and informal educational settings.

Educating Young People About Responsible Pest Management

The development of educational materials, under this national program, will be guided by the results of an effort that we have underway to identify strategic investments and curriculum development gaps. Educational tools that provide age-appropriate experiential learning opportunities for grades K-12 will be designed to integrate with other available education resources.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Focus on Pollinators

In collaboration with partners in the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign, including the Center for Environmental Education and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a photo exhibit was assembled and displayed at the U.S. Botanic Garden to educate young people about the importance of pollinators to our environment. The exhibit has been requested by other museums throughout the United States.

Educating Through Film

In association with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Alien Insects: Praying Mantis was shown at the National Museum of Natural History. The film, produced by Discovery Channel, offered students and educators the opportunity to understand the role insects, specifically praying mantis, have on our environment. The event also offered participants the chance to have their questions answered by an entomologist.

AWARDS

Education Initiatives

Grants given for educational programs to enhance the ability of K-12 educators to help youth develop an interest in insect science.

Scholarships & Fellowships

Financial support to assist undergraduate and graduate students in continuing their education in entomology and related disciplines.

Student Recognition Awards

Recognition of students who make outstanding contributions to the field of entomology.

Research Awards and Grants

Grants awarded to assist graduate students and professional entomologists continue their research.

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