LFSC 591 Entomology: Terrestrial and Aquatic Insects

July 7-11, 2008
3 graduate credits

Syllabus [PDF]
Schedule [PDF]
Course requirements [PDF]

The Entomology: Terrestrial and Aquatic Insects workshop will introduce you to the exciting and fascinating world of Class: Insecta – the ones who really rule the world. After all, in described species, they outnumber us 900,000 to 1.

We will cover the basics of entomology and insect ecology and how to apply what you learn to the SOLs and your classrooms back home. Hone your collecting skills on land and in water, in daylight and at night, at VCU’s Rice Center — a spectacular 342-acre site overlooking the James River, between Berkeley and Shirley plantations. Then learn to identify your specimens in our state-of-the-art Life Sciences laboratories. As you make your own permanent collection, you’ll learn techniques for preserving, labeling, pinning and displaying your specimens, and how to archive them safely. How can you keep insects alive in your classroom for your students to observe and learn from first hand? How do you photograph them? You’ll learn that too and you’ll earn three graduate credits for this week of active learning and fun.

What you’ll take with you
By the end of the week you will have gained a working knowledge of the ecology of terrestrial and aquatic insects and the identification, via taxonomic keys, of both. You will have experience in a variety of field collection methods for both and will make your own collection to take home with you. You will receive a field guide and net for collecting and an assortment of resource materials and insect supplies. Add that to the tips on maintaining and photographing live specimens in the classroom, and your students will love what you bring back to them.

For more information about these workshops, contact Anna Jones at (804) 828-8831, Dr. Dick Rezba at (804) 828-1334, Dr. Arthur Evans or Dr. Anne Wright.