September 26, 2005

Fifth-graders swarm Purdue's campus for insect education

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - A swarm of elementary school students from Tippecanoe County schools will land at Purdue University's West Lafayette, Ind., campus on Oct. 11 for the Department of Entomology's annual Insectaganza: Science on Six Legs.

This is the 10th year for Insectaganza, said the event's coordinator, Mike Mullis. More than 1,100 fifth-graders from 17 schools are expected to attend.

"Insectaganza is an 'entomological experience' that promotes education and nurtures future scientists by providing hands-on experiences with insects," Mullis said.

Events for the day include an insect magic show by professor Tom Turpin, a lecture about insect biology by professor Alan York, a grasshopper dissection lab and a quiz bowl competition.

"Lots of students are afraid of science," said Turpin. "Insectaganza gives them a chance to learn about the science of entomology and experience college life at Purdue."

Writer: Kay Hagen, (765) 494-6682, kjh@purdue.edu

Sources: Mike Mullis, (765) 494-0997, mmullis@purdue.edu

Tom Turpin, (765) 494- 4568, turpin@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page

Note to Journalists: Media are welcome to attend Insectaganza. All media are asked to check in with Mike Mullis on the second floor of Stewart Center on the day of the event. Schedules for specific schools are available from Kay Hagen at the Agricultural Communication Service, (765) 494-6682.

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