Teaming With Insects: Entomology for Grades 3-12 is written for youth who enjoy learning about and studying science and nature. Insects have been around for millions of years and have evolved and adapted to many different habitats. Adaptations involving their anatomy, physiology, and behavior are what make insects so diverse and interesting. More than 1 million species of insects are known to scientists, and they believe there may be up to 40 million more we have yet to discover. Most people consider insects pests, and some insects do damage to homes, plants, crops, and stored foods. Others harm humans and animals by biting, stinging, and spreading diseases. The vast majority of insects, however, are beneficial to our ecosystem, and a few, such as honeybees and silkworms, provide direct economic benefits to humans.
This book is divided into four easy-to-use sections, each of which is designed with a specific purpose in mind and is tailored to a particular grade level. The first section is geared to students in grades 3 through 5. It introduces young readers to the world of insects, examining their physical appearance and movement. Level 2, intended for individuals in grades 6 through 8, demonstrates how to make insect collection tools and expands on the basic concepts of biodiversity, invasive species, integrated pest management, and forensic entomology. Suited for students in grades 9 through 12, level 3 focuses on using the scientific method, supplying reference materials for personalized learning and further research. The final section presented in Teaming With Insects, the facilitator's guide, provides suggestions and answers to the youth activities as well as information about working with future entomologists.
Carroll, Natalie J.: - Natalie J. Carroll is a Purdue University professor with extensive experience in curriculum development. She and her creative writing teams have composed thirty-two natural resource, activity-based curricula for youth and twenty-three grant-funded projects. She and her coauthors have received ten national awards for their work. She has also published numerous journal articles and educational works for youth and adults, and has presented her work to hundreds of conferences in Indiana and around the world. Carroll received the Christian J. Foster Award for Contributions to K-12 STEM Education from Purdue in 2016.
Gibb, Timothy J.: - Timothy J. Gibb is an emeritus professor of entomology at Purdue University with a specialty in insect diagnostics and integrated pest management (IPM). He has published numerous papers, training materials, and books related to insect science for professionals as well as youth. His pioneering research in the areas of human health protection in public buildings and landscapes, including public schools, has earned him several awards, including the Governor's Award of Excellence for protecting children's health. Gibb's research and IPM program have made him a sought-after speaker and consultant throughout the country and around the world.
Oseto, Christian Y.: - Christian Y. Oseto is an emeritus professor of entomology at Purdue University with more than fifty years of teaching experience. His teaching activities have involved youth and adults throughout the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, and Afghanistan. He directed both the North Dakota and Indiana Science Olympiad programs, and created and administered Purdue University's Honors Program. Oseto received grants from the National Science Foundation and teaching awards from the United States Department of Agriculture, North Dakota State University, and Purdue University. In 2018, Purdue recognized him as a 150th Anniversary Professor.
