Events


4-H Activities

4-H Entomology Science Workshop

4H Entomology Science Workshop Image

The Department of Entomology, in collaboration with 4-H and Youth Development, will hold the fifth annual Entomology Science Workshop for Youth. Students that participate will travel to the Purdue University campus to learn about insects, interact with youth from across the state, and get acquainted with Purdue University and faculty in the Entomology Department.


Indiana 4-H Round-Up

4H Roundup Image

Learn about plants, insects, bioenergy, and natural resources at 4-H Academy @ Purdue. 4-H Academy @ Purdue is for students currently enrolled in high school. During this 3-day, 2-night event participants will be introduced to college life as they stay in a Purdue University Residence Hall, eat in Purdue University Dining Courts and around campus, and experience hands-on learning in college classrooms. The workshops are taught in partnership with Purdue University faculty and industry professionals. Meet new friends from around Indiana, learn more about a topic of interest to you, and join us for this unique and fun experience! Learn more by visiting https://extension.purdue.edu/4h/Pages/workshops.aspx.


Join Indiana 4-H

4H Insect Collection Image

Indiana 4-H Youth Development programs are available through local 4-H clubs, 4-H camps, and after-school programs organized at the county level. 4-H is open to all youth in grades 3-12. Most counties offer a Mini-4-H program to youth in grades K-2. Entomology is one of over 50 projects available for members. The entomology project educates youth about the study of insects and their relationship with people. Youth will also learn how to collect, preserve, and identify insects. Find your local 4-H club and learn how to get started in the 4-H Entomology program by contacting your local Purdue Extension County Office. The list of county offices can be found here: https://extension.purdue.edu/about#counties or learn more about 4-H by visiting the Indiana 4-H website at https://extension.purdue.edu/4h/Pages/about.aspx.


Insect Judging Competition - CDE
Insect Display Cartoon

An insect identification judging competition is held each year in Indiana. 4-H and FFA students are required to recognize the order and common names of 150 common or important insects in Indiana. In addition, students must know the general life history of the insects in question so that they can answer questions pertaining to control, life cycle, and pest status. Area contests are held each fall and the winners are invited to Purdue University for a statewide competition held each year in late November or early December. Students not only enjoy being pitted against each other in a friendly competition, but they also learn more about the day-to-day activities of professional entomologists. Learn more here: http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/4h/default.php


4-H Academy @ Purdue

Learn about plants, insects, bioenergy, and natural resources at 4-H Academy @ Purdue. 4-H Academy @ Purdue is for students currently enrolled in high school. During this 3-day, 2-night event participants will be introduced to college life as they stay in a Purdue University Residence Hall, eat in Purdue University Dining Courts and around campus, and experience hands-on learning in college classrooms. The workshops are taught in partnership with Purdue University faculty and industry professionals. Meet new friends from around Indiana, learn more about a topic of interest to you, and join us for this unique and fun experience! Learn more by visiting https://extension.purdue.edu/4h/Pages/workshops.aspx.



Entomology Related Events

Request an Outreach Program

Staff in the Department of Entomology are available for school and educational event presentations and visits, on or off-campus. If you are interested, please email gpearso@purdue.edu or complete our online request form https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/outreach/about-our-programs/book-a-program/. Call to determine staff availability to schedule a program. There is a $50 presentation & travel fee for events outside the immediate Lafayette/West Lafayette area.


Bug Barn

Smith Hall, Room 124
The Boiler Bug Barn is a small room in the department housing a number of live insects and arachnids, along with many educational exhibits on insect control, insect damage, insects as food, and insect products.  https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/outreach/purdue-bug-zoo/. Visitors are welcome to come and visit.  We ask that schools and large groups please schedule a visit with our online request form: https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/outreach/about-our-programs/book-a-program/.


Purdue Entomological Research Collection (PERC)

PERC contains approximately 2 million specimens, representing more than 140,000 species. Insects housed in the collection are the basis for research in systematic entomology at Purdue and by specialists worldwide. PERC is one of the most substantial resources for information about the insects of Indiana.  Contact us to arrange for a tour.


Bug Bowl

Bug Bowl Image

The annual Purdue Bug Bowl is the largest known insect event of its kind. Nearly 30,000 people attend this event each year as part of Purdue’s Spring Fest weekend in April. Preschoolers through retirees take part in hands-on insect activities, including the cricket spitting contest!

Bug Bowl is a part of the larger campus event called Spring Fest, which is billed as "the lighter side of higher education." Bug Bowl offers the general public an opportunity to participate in a variety of insect related activities that reinforce the importance of insects in our environment.

Components of this event vary from year to year, and can include: the Insect Art Contest, Insect Petting Zoo, Running of the Roaches at Roach Hill Downs, Arthropod Observation Room, Insect Crafts and Face Painting, Invasive Species Exhibit, Quiz Bowl, Insects as Food demonstrations, Apiculture Exhibit and Honey Tasting Room, display of the winning 4H insect collections from the Indiana State Fair, The Bug Bowl Follies, and an Insect Cake Decorating Contest. http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/bugbowl


Butterfly Encounter

Butterfly Encounter Image

Butterfly enthusiasts of all ages and expert levels are invited to visit the Evonik Corportation Tippecanoe Laboratories Wildlife Habitat Area in Lafayette, Indiana for a celebration of butterflies on Saturday each July. This family-friendly event celebrates the beauty and diversity of Indiana butterflies and no previous butterfly knowledge is necessary. Everyone from the novice to the expert is welcome and encouraged to attend. Entomologists will help identify the common butterflies of Indiana and discuss butterfly biology, including the importance of biodiversity and habitat conservation for endangered species. Resource materials for the event can be found at: http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/butterflycount/event.html



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