Youth Entomology Workshop – Beetle Preservation with The Bug Lady (6+)

Join us for an exciting, hands-on insect pinning workshop led by entomologist, educator and artist Alaina Michaels, AKA The Bug Lady! This interactive workshop will provide you with all the tools and knowledge to pin and preserve your very own insect specimen for display in your home.

Insects are vital components of ecosystems, providing critical services like pollination and decomposition. By understanding, documenting, and conserving insect diversity, we can all learn how to contribute to broader conservation efforts.

You’ll receive step-by-step guidance from an expert and learn not only the delicate art of insect pinning, preserving specimens for educational purchases and scientific research, but also discover the critical role insects play in conservation efforts worldwide. We’ll discuss the importance of documenting local insect diversity for conservation efforts and ethical considerations when collecting insects for scientific or educational purposes.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll not only have a beautifully pinned Frog-Legged Beetle specimen, but also a deep appreciation for the critical role insects play in preserving our natural world. Join us in this unique journey that combines the art of insect pinning with the urgency of conservation!

This hands-on experience is perfect for budding entomologists and nature enthusiasts who want to make a difference in researching and preserving our ecosystem. This workshop requires a high degree of focus and manual dexterity and is best suited for interested children ages 6+ with hands-on caregiver assistance. Due to limited space and the high degree of attention required, we respectfully request unregistered children do not attend. Please enter the name(s) and age(s) of your child(ren) in Additional Comments.

Alaina Michaels (AKA The Bug Lady) teaches Biology at Trident Technical College and is the volunteer insect collection curator at The Charleston Museum. Her artful insect pinnings may be found for purchase locally at Public Works Art Center.

This class is offered at a reduced rate due to the generous support of the Rotary Club of Summerville.