
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.
We can cater shows to meet the needs of almost any group or curriculum but here are some ideas:
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
Outreaches are scheduled through the outreach coordinator. For more information or to schedule a show contact the outreach coordinator.
Dr. Rebecca Baldwin
ufbugs@ifas.ufl.edu
phone: (352) 273-3942
fax:(352) 392-0190
The program assistants can also relay requests to the coordinator.
Cameron Jacques
cjacques1@ufl.edu
(352) 273-3913
or
Cheryl Johns
johnsc@ufl.edu
(352) 273-3901
We generally ask that you schedule at least four weeks in advance. Time slots fill up quickly so the sooner you call, the better.
Times will vary throughout the year so call or email to make an appointment.
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.
University of Florida Entomology and Nematology
Steinmetz Hall
PO Box 110620
Building 1881 Natural Area Drive
Gainesville, FL 32611
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.
We do not visit groups younger than first grade and do not give tours for groups younger than third grade.
The 4-H Bug Club offers tours of the Entomology and Nematology Department here at the University of Florida! The tour will take you into several labs where current research is being undertaken. Bug Club members will not only learn about insects, but also what job opportunities are available to them in the Entomology field. Due to the small size of some of the labs, tours are limited to 20 people.
Outreaches should be scheduled at least four weeks in advance.
Outreaches are scheduled through the outreach coordinator. For more information, or to schedule a show, please contact the coordinator.
Dr. Rebecca Baldwin
(352) 273-3942
ufbugs@ifas.ufl.edu
fax (352) 392-0190