Insect Project Ideas for 4-H and FFA Entomology Members

Six legs and a lot to learn

Insects pollinate crops, spoil stored grain, carry disease and feed birds, and a member who studies them learns a surprising amount about farming. The entomology project centers on the insect collection, a box of properly prepared and labeled specimens, along with the knowledge to explain what each one does. It is one of the oldest natural science projects, and a fair favorite.

What you need to start

A net, collecting jars and a small hand lens
Pinning supplies and a display box with a tight lid
A field guide for your region
Labels with location, collector and habitat information
A notebook for field notes

Programs differ in how many insects, orders and labels are required for a collection, so read your state's entomology guidelines before you start collecting. The Entomological Society of America offers educational information for students.

Project ideas by level

First-year collection: gather and mount a small set of common insects from several orders, with accurate labels and names.
Life cycle display: raise a butterfly or beetle from larva to adult in a screened container and record each stage with photos.
Pest and beneficial study: sort the insects of a garden or field into helpful, harmful and neutral groups, with evidence for each decision.
Aquatic insects: sample a creek's insect larvae and discuss what they say about water quality.
Integrated pest management exhibit: explain how monitoring and non-chemical control can help a farm, using extension resources found through extension.org.

Collecting responsibly

Take only what you need, and never collect in parks, preserves or private land without permission. Some species are protected, so check with your state wildlife agency or extension office. Learn the difference between a harmless insect and a stinging or biting one, and have an adult help with unfamiliar species. Anyone with insect allergies should carry prescribed medication and have a plan.

Preparing the collection

Good collections are about care. Specimens are pinned at a consistent height, spread neatly and labeled with the place and the name of the collector. Keep the box sealed and protected from pests that eat dried specimens, since museum beetles can ruin a season's work. Use only approved preservation methods recommended by your leader, and handle any chemicals under adult supervision.

Costs, records and fairs

Basic equipment is inexpensive, and many leaders share nets and boxes. A record book should include your collecting log, notes and a list of orders and families you identified. Fair judges look at specimen quality, labeling and how well you can discuss what you collected, and class rules vary by state and county. See the bees and beekeeping project if pollinators interest you.

Where it leads

Entomology leads to careers in crop consulting, pest management, public health, forensic science and research. It also supports outdoor exploration and ecosystem services. For general program information, see 4-H. For more 4-H and FFA project ideas, visit agriculture.directory and farm.fm's 4-H and FFA section.