Our outreach program is designed to increase awareness and enthusiasm for insects and other "bugs." Shows are given to groups of all sizes and ages (We prefer first grade and older and groups of 10-25.) and are tailored to meet the individual needs of the group. We try to make each show fun as well as informative, with lots of live critters and as many hands-on activities as time, size, and age permit.

Shows

We can cater shows to meet the needs of almost any group or curriculum but here are some ideas:

• Introduction to Insects

  What is an insect?

  How can I tell an insect from other "bugs?" Learn about some of the most unusual insects in the world and some that you can find right around your house.

• Insects and their Habitats

  Find out about where different insects live, and how they are adapted to their environments. Also learn about the vital role insects play in their environments.

• Collecting and Preserving Insects

  Learn techniques to collect a wide variety of insects. We can also teach how to curate (pin) insects for collections, or if you would prefer, how to make terrariums them to keep them for pets. (A fee may be charged for materials. Typically this fee is $8 per student, and they get to keep a collection box and insect pins.)

• Good Bugs / Bad Bugs

  Whether they help us or hurt us, no one can deny the tremendous impact many insects and bugs have in our lives. Unfortunately some of the bugs we tend to be the most afraid of are actually some of the most beneficial, and others that seem harmless cause many problems.

• Teacher / Leader Training

  We can train you to be your own entomologist! If you need someone to do the same bug show for different children on multiple days (such as at a summer camp), consider asking us to train leaders in your own organization how to do the shows. It will be more efficient for you, to have your own "bug expert" on hand, and it is better for us since it enables us to honor more requests for outreaches. We will also travel farther distances to do leader training than we would otherwise go for normal outreach events.

FAQ

• How do I schedule an outreach program?

  Outreaches are scheduled through the outreach coordinator. For more information or to schedule a show contact the outreach coordinator.
  
  Dr. Rebecca Baldwin or Kayla Stalcup
  ufbugs@ifas.ufl.edu
  phone: (352) 273-3942
  fax:(352) 392-0190

  The program assistants can also relay requests to the coordinator.
  Stephanie Stout
  stout.s@ufl.edu
  (352) 273-3913

  or

  Cheryl Johns
  johnsc@ufl.edu
  (352) 273-3901

   

• How far in advance do I need to call in order or email to schedule an outreach program?

  We generally ask that you schedule at least four weeks in advance. Time slots fill up quickly so the sooner you call, the better.

• When are you available to do outreach programs?

  Times will vary throughout the year so call or email to make an appointment.

• Is there a minimum or maximum number of people required for a show?

  Outreaches: There is no set minimum or maximum number of people required for an outreach program. We prefer groups of around 10-25 people at a time, but shows can be adapted for larger audiences as well.

  Tours of the department: There is no minimum number of people required for a tour; however, due to the limited size of our labs, we generally cannot accept requests from groups with more than 20 people.

• What is your address?

  University of Florida Entomology and Nematology
  Steinmetz Hall
  PO Box 110620
  Building 1881 Natural Area Drive
  Gainesville, FL 32611

• How far away will you go for an outreach program?

  Outreaches are generally limited to Alachua County and surrounding area. However, in some cases (for example, leadership training) we are willing to travel greater distances.

• Is there an age requirement for an outreach program or tour?

  We do not visit groups younger than first grade and do not give tours for groups younger than third grade.