Igniting Sparks: Engaging Undergraduate Students in Adventures with Insects

Abstract

Small liberal arts colleges play an important role in educating undergraduates, some of whom will go on to graduate school, but all of whom will be voting citizens and decision-makers in society. The mission of most, if not all, small liberal arts institutions is to, in some manner, give students a comprehensive education, providing both breadth and depth; my own institution, Le Moyne College, articulates a mission statement that states, in part, that the college's “emphasis is on education of the whole person and on the search for meaning and value as integral parts of the intellectual life.” As an entomologist at such an institution, my goal is to instill in students a genuine appreciation for insects and the many critical roles they play. That appreciation may lead them to a career in entomology, be an avenue for learning how to do biological research, give them a better understanding of how important insects are to human welfare, or simply give them enjoyment throughout their lives. The adventure begins when students in introductory biology courses, including courses for non-majors, are regaled with stories about insects and the amazing …