Entomology Senior Project Guide

Download PDF for Print

Overview

Georgia 4-H Project Achievement empowers young people with skills for a lifetime. Through a competitive process, students explore their interests, unleash their creativity, share their work, and celebrate their achievements! This guide provides 9th—12th graders with examples for getting started with their project exploration.

Overview of Project Achievement Process

1) Choose project
2) Develop skills in leadership and service
3) Prepare portfolio for work completed from January 1 – December 31
4) Prepare presentation
5) Practice
6) Compete
7) Reflect

Description of Entomology Project

4-H’ers may explore the science of insects and other arthropods (spiders, ticks, mites, scorpions, etc.). Through this project 4-H’ers may:

• Identify insects and other arthropods and their habitats
• Differentiate between harmful and beneficial insects and arthropods
• Develop knowledge about insects’ and arthropods’ economic importance and interrelationship with natural resources
• Acquire knowledge on appropriate control of insects and arthropods
• Understand safe use of insecticides and other methods of insect and arthropod control
• Acquire knowledge of by-products and end-products relative to specific insects
• Explore career opportunities related to entomology

Examples of Project Development Examples

• Make a special collection on one insect order and name the specimen by family and scientific name (genus and species)
• Collect and display beneficial insects and pest species found in landscapes, gardens, and natural areas throughout Georgia. Include all life stages and a description of their benefit or damage
• Create and display a collection of useful products produced by insects (silk, honey, wax, etc.)
• With permission, establish plant pollinator plots at your home or in community spaces
• Meet with your county public health officials to learn of local pest management
• Correspond with a professional entomologist or the Entomological Society of America
• Submit an essay to the Georgia 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest

Project Sharing and Helping Examples

• Share what you have learned in the Entomology project with county 4-H clubs, school classes, and/or civic clubs
• Enter an Entomology project-related booth or exhibit at a fair
• Learn the proper way to control common household pests, then offer to help senior citizens control those pests (i.e removing wasp nests at doorways)
• Teach about establishing and managing plant pollinator plots
• Start an Entomology project club. Contact your local Extension Agent to discuss your plans
• Collaborate with elementary schools to describe beneficial insects in your community
• Mentor a younger 4-H’er in the Entomology project
• Organize a tour of a local apiary. Consider visiting a local orchard or farm to explore the important role of bees
• Inform homeowners about environmentally friendly fire ant control methods
• Share about termites with community members and neighbors
• Send your 4-H Beekeeping Essay to the local newspaper

Special Considerations

• Youth should use precautions when working around insects.
• Ask permission before photographing, taping, or quoting someone.
• Remember that safety for you, other staff, and animals is of the utmost importance. Be respectful when shadowing professionals and always follow instructions.
• Give plenty of notice for any mentoring requests.
• Always ask permission from owners before working with animals and be sure proper release forms are signed.
• Live animals/insects and weapons are not permitted in project

Recommended Resources

Project Achievement – Georgia 4-H
Beekeeping Essay Contest – Georgia 4-H 
Welcome to the Georgia Museum of Natural History | Georgia Museum of Natural History
UGA Insect Zoo Open House set for April | CAES Field Report
Entomological Society of America | Entomological Society of America
Insect, Bugs and Spider Identification – North America

At Competition

Entomology 4-H projects may use posters, artifacts, biofacts, and/or technology to support their presentation. The time limit for these presentations is 12 minutes. Computers, projectors, screens, and other technological devices may be used

Prepared by: Craven Hudson, Keri Hobbs, Taylor Madgett, Olivia Browning, Mandy Marable, and Chloë Scott
Reviewed by: Bivens Walker and Jason Estep