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Credit: Amanda Loman (Cropped from original)
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Entomology Projects

Oregon 4-H Entomology Project: Dive into the World of Insects

Welcome to the Oregon 4-H Entomology Project! Embark on an exciting journey to discover and learn about the fascinating world of insects. This guide will introduce you to the four interactive Entomology Project Units, featuring engaging e-learning modules and games designed to replace the traditional 4-H Entomology Manual (4-H 3221).

All the resources for these units are shared in the tabbed section at the bottom of this page. Scroll down to find everything you need to advance through this buzzing topic.

What are the goals of the 4-H Entomology Project?

  1. Scientific Understanding: To develop a fundamental understanding of insects and their role in ecosystems, including their biology, life cycles, and behaviors.
  2. Bug Awareness: To learn to recognize the major orders of insects and identify them throughout life
  3. Useful Skills: To collect and display insects, you'll learn work-ready skills of data collection, identification, classification, and record-keeping.
  4. Lifelong Learning: To cultivate a lifelong interest in nature and science, potentially inspiring future careers in entomology, biology, or environmental science.
  5. Community: To encourage teamwork and collaboration through group projects and community engagement, building your communication, leadership, and social skills.
  6. Creativity: To foster creativity through activities like drawing, photography, and creating insect habitats or models.

There are two complete curricula from National 4-H.

One book from each is linked below, search the 4-H Shop to find the entire series.

  • Teaming with Insects: Welcome to the fascinating world of insects. Insects are an important part of our ecosystem and a few, such as honey bees and silkworms, provide direct economic benefits. The Teaming with Insects series offers many educational experiences, from collecting and identifying insects to learning about integrated pest management and forensic entomology
  • Project Butterfly WINGS: Engage youth in science while learning about butterflies and their role in the environment, and our connection with them. Youth will contribute to authentic, hands-on collaborative research with scientists and participate in youth-lead inquiry.

Why do we care about insects?

There's nothing like the fluttering dance of butterflies or listening to the melodious chirp of crickets on a warm evening. Take your knowledge deeper, and join us in exploring the incredible world of insects to uncover the countless ways they contribute to our lives and the health of our planet.

  • Insects like honeybees are essential pollinators, playing a critical role in agriculture. Without them, many of our crops wouldn't thrive.
  • Insects are food sources for birds, fish, and other wildlife, kids learn about the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity.
  • Insects act as scavengers and natural pest controllers, maintaining ecological balance by managing harmful plants and animals.
  • Insects provide us with valuable products like honey, beeswax, and silk. They have been part of human diets for centuries and remain a staple in many cultures today.
  • Insects are key subjects in scientific research, contributing to studies in genetics and even space exploration. Their simplicity and diversity make them perfect for learning about complex scientific concepts.
Credit: Lynn Ketchum (Cropped from original)

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Bonus fact! More than 2100 edible insect species are eaten by humans!

Entomotherapy, the use of insects for medicinal purposes, has been practiced for centuries in many countries around the world. Some insects are rich sources of bioactive compounds that can be used for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. (Source)

Please do not eat your local bugs. This is not medical advice!

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