This new 4H school enrichment curriculum is designed to help teachers use insects and insect related activities in their classrooms year round. Like most insect curricula, it is based on the premise that one of the best ways of reducing negative feelings toward insects is to provide people with positive experiences with insects while they are still young. However, whereas most entomology curricula are meant to be used as part of a one or two week insect "unit," our curriculum is designed to enhance instruction on various biological themes that educators are required to teach anyway. (For example, the scientific method, classification, ecosystems, adaptations, etc.) In addition, all lessons are coordinated to the Florida Sunshine State Standards and provide activities that enhance FCAT skills. Currently the curriculum is targeted for 4th and 5th grade classrooms, although activities can easily be adapted for older and younger children, and can be used by 4H volunteers and county extension agents, or by any other informal educator.
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA