World of Insects

A workshop for school classes at the Senckenberg Natural History Museum – Initiated and supported by the International Women’s Club of Frankfurt e.V.

THE PROBLEM

60 percent of all known animal species in the world are insects. They can be found in almost every habitat and are true masters of survival. But for several years now, their numbers have been declining dramatically! In some areas of Germany, well over half of all insects have disappeared. What impact does this have on birds, humans, and others? It’s high time to put these little crawlers in the spotlight, because insects are vital to our survival.

THE “INSEKTENREICH?” PROJECT

To raise awareness about the problem and teach students about insects, insect decline, insect conservation, and the importance of insect diversity for their own lives, a special workshop program was offered for school classes (grades 5–7).

In the workshop, students explored the colorful diversity of insects, learned how to use stereomicroscopes and identify insects, and built species-appropriate nesting aids for their own schoolyard, balcony, or garden.

Thanks to financial support from the International Women’s Club of Frankfurt, the workshops were made possible for many classes.

GOALS

The students practiced recognizing and identifying insects and improved their knowledge of different species. They learned about insects as an important component of ecosystems and developed an understanding of the role these animals play as ecosystem service providers. The students learned about the impacts of insect decline on the human environment and discovered ways they could take action themselves.