Learning at home with Bugs - from Entomology Today

From EntomologyToday.org

Entomology, or the study of bugs, is an ecologic science that has exploring built in! Entomology and on-the-ground exploring is built on unstructured play.

In this article about Learning at Home with bugs, Gwen Pearson, Ph.D says “There is a fair amount of research that shows unstructured play helps develop learning skills and facilitates learning. Even if all that happens is your kids do some coloring, or turn over a few rocks, they are learning. We also know that positive emotions can positively affect learning—so unstructured, exploratory fun strengthens kids’ self-management, confidence, and willingness to ask questions and look for answers.”

What is great about entomology is that it can be done almost anywhere, in home backyards, in the park, and around the neighborhood. As one explores the small world beneath their feet (literally), you can ask the question that Gwen Pearson asks:

• What do you see?

• What do you think it is?

• Why do you think that’s happening?

• What does that make you wonder about?

If you really like entomology, you can create stunning display cases of your insect finds. When completed, they look like a museum piece!

©Alli Ganino - Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine