Bug Bites

Library Program or 3rd Grade-Adult

In this exciting program, learners will embark on a culinary journey to explore diverse cultures from around the world that embrace bugs as a tasty and nutritious part of their cuisine. Known as entomophagy, the practice of eating insects is celebrated in many cultures for its sustainability and health benefits. Participants will delve into the fascinating world of insect-based diets, discovering how different societies incorporate these tiny creatures into their meals.

Through engaging presentations and hands-on activities, learners will gain insights into the environmental benefits of insect consumption, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower resource requirements compared to traditional livestock farming. They will also explore the nutritional advantages of insects, which are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.

As a highlight of the program, participants will have the opportunity to taste a variety of delicious insect-based treats, broadening their culinary horizons and challenging their perceptions of food. This immersive experience will not only educate but also inspire curiosity and open-mindedness towards sustainable food practices. By the end of the program, learners will have a deeper appreciation for the cultural diversity and ecological advantages of entomophagy.

Learning Objectives:

Awareness: Learners will develop awareness of cultural practices around the world which will broaden students’ understanding of diverse food traditions.
Compassion/Empathy: Promotes an open-minded approach and respect diverse culinary practices.
Empowerment: Learners will feel empowered to become advocates for sustainable food choices by understanding and communicating the potential benefits of incorporating insect-based foods into their diets.

Addressing Misconceptions: One common misconception we will address is that bugs are gross and not edible.

Curriculum Standards Supported:

Colorado Science Standards

SC.3.2.2: 6. Students can use the full range of science and engineering practices to make sense of natural phenomena and solve problems that require understanding how living systems interact with the biotic and abiotic environment. GLE: 2. Being part of a group helps animals obtain food, defend themselves and cope with changes
SC.3.2.5: 8. Students can use the full range of science and engineering practices to make sense of natural phenomena and solve problems that require understanding how natural selection drives biological evolution accounting for the unity and diversity of organisms. GLE: 5. Sometimes differences in characteristics between individuals of the same species provide advantages in survival and reproduction
SC.4.2.1: 5. Students can use the full range of science and engineering practices to make sense of natural phenomena and solve problems that require understanding how individual organisms are configured and how these structures function to support life, growth, behavior and reproduction. GLE: 1. Organisms have both internal and external structures that serve various functions
SC.5.2.2: 6. Students can use the full range of science and engineering practices to make sense of natural phenomena and solve problems that require understanding how living systems interact with the biotic and abiotic environment. GLE: 2. Matter cycles between air and soil and among plants, animals and microbes as these organisms live and die
SC.MS.2.3: 5. Students can use the full range of science and engineering practices to make sense of natural phenomena and solve problems that require understanding how individual organisms are configured and how these structures function to support life, growth, behavior and reproduction. GLE: 3. Sustaining life requires substantial energy and matter inputs
SC.HS.2.3: 5. Students can use the full range of science and engineering practices to make sense of natural phenomena and solve problems that require understanding how individual organisms are configured and how these structures function to support life, growth, behavior and reproduction. GLE: 3. Organisms use matter and energy to live and grow
SC.HS.2.13: 8. Students can use the full range of science and engineering practices to make sense of natural phenomena and solve problems that require understanding how natural selection drives biological evolution accounting for the unity and diversity of organisms. GLE: 13. Humans have complex interactions with ecosystems and have the ability to influence biodiversity on the planet
SC.HS.3.9: 11. Students can use the full range of science and engineering practices to make sense of natural phenomena and solve problems that require understanding how human activities and the Earth’s surface processes interact. GLE: 9. Resource availability has guided the development of human society and use of natural resources has associated costs, risks, and benefits
SC.HS.3.11: 11. Students can use the full range of science and engineering practices to make sense of natural phenomena and solve problems that require understanding how human activities and the Earth’s surface processes interact. GLE: 11. Sustainability of human societies and the biodiversity that supports them requires responsible management of natural resources, including the development of technologies

Next Generation Science Standards

3-LS2-1 Construct and argument that some animals form groups that help members survive
4-LS1-1 Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior and reproduction
5-LS2-1 Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment
5-ESS3-1 Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environments
MS-LS2-1 Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem
MS-LS2-5 Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity an ecosystem services
HS-LS2-6 Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interaction in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem