Entomology: Insectivores 101

Insectivores 101 has been designed for Years 5-6 high ability students. Entomologist and PhD Candidate, Shasta Henry, from the University of Tasmania will lead an exciting presentation followed by a Q&A session (40 mins). The theme will be: Did you know that insects are the superfood of the future? Students will then have a short break followed by an engaging hands-on session (60 mins) where students will conduct a scientific taste-testing trial, respond to a series of super-food insect breeding challenges, and investigate the impact of introducing a new insect super-species into our environment.

High ability students and students with a passion for the environment are encouraged to become part of this program.

NOTE: There are limited tickets available.  Only ONE ticket of up to 25 high ability students per school for each event.

Credit: DALL·E 2023-02-02 09.50.36 - 3D render
Credit: DALL·E
Date: Tuesday 4th April 2023
Time: Session 1: 10.00 am – 12.00pm
OR
Session 2: 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm
Year Level: 5-6
Venue: Video Conference
Maximum number per school: 20

Program
Two identical sessions are run on the day. Teachers can select either session 1 or session 2.
Session 1
10.00am – 10.45am Presentation by Shasta Henry with Q & A session
10.45am – 11.00am Break time
11.00am – 12.00pm Interactive hands-on session
Session 2
1.00pm – 1.45pm Presentation by Shasta Henry with Q & A session
1.45pm – 2.00pm Break time
2.00pm – 3.00pm Interactive hands-on session

Featured Experts

Shasta Henry: Entomologist and PhD candidate at the University of Tasmania

I am an entomologist – I study insects. Insects are the most abundant and diverse animals on the planet! Therefore they live in almost every environment and are involved in almost every ecosystem; and I find that diversity fascinating. Because there are so many insects there are many ways to study them. I have worked on cotton farms, collecting caterpillar eggs and testing how pesticides work. I have worked on a team discovering new species of beetles from the Amazonian Rainforest. Insects are used in forensics to help solve crimes, to inspire drones and technology, to help fight
invasive species and to produce more food for us.
At the University of Tasmania I study how our native insects are being impacted by climate change. When a fire burns the Wilderness World Heritage Area, which insects survive and which ones disappear – and how long for?