It's
that time of year again... when the Penn State Department
of Entomology starts to plan for The Great Insect Fair held on
the University Park Campus every Fall.
The
Build-A-Bug Contest was such a great success in the past
and we're gearing up to do it again... but WE NEED ENTRIES!
Remember
all those awesome insect models you saw at the last Great Insect
Fair?
Well, now it's YOUR TURN TO JOIN IN THE FUN!!
What
is the Build-A-Bug Contest?
Build-A-Bug
was invented by Jackie Wagner, a 9th grade teacher at Penns Valley
Junior/Senior High School. We have adapted her lesson plans to
create the Build-A-Bug contest. Participants build biologically
correct insects, which are judged by a committee from the Department of Entomology.
Prizes will be awarded at each grade level. Build-A-Bug is an
easy, fun and creative way to learn about the world of insects.
Who
can enter?
Anyone
in grades kindergarten to 6th. Teachers, you can do Build-A-Bug
as a class project and enter your student's creations. For a teacher's guide (Catch the Bug - 4H Leader's Guide) and other resources, click here!
Contest
Rules:
1.
Your model must be an INSECT or other ARTHROPOD. Note: Your insect does not have
to live in the United States.
*2.
Your insect must be between 6-12 inches long, and sturdy. The combined insect and habitat cannot exceed 12 inches long x 12 inches wide.
3.
Be accurate when building your model (appropriate proportions,
true color and form, etc.).
4.
The more detail your model has, the better.
5.
A written description must accompany your model and include:
- The
common name of the insect
- The
scientific name of the order to which it belongs
- A
brief description of the insect's habitat
- Where
the insect is located geographically
- At
least 2 interesting, and unique facts about the insect you have
modeled ("it has 6 legs and 3 body segments" doesn't
count)
- Your
name and address on model description
***There
are no restrictions on the type of building materials that can be
used. Models in the past were built with clay, wire, felt, Styrofoam,
pipe cleaners, nylon stockings, etc. We encourage you to be as creative
as you can!
*Note that this rule has changed from previous years!
Choosing
the Winners:
One
winning model will be chosen for each grade level by a committee from the Penn State Entomology Department. Winners will be announced at 1:00 P.M.
All
winning models will become a part of our Public Education Program
for one year and can be reclaimed at the next year's Great Insect Fair. They will be prominently displayed around the hallways of
the Department of Entomology, and used as examples for future Build-A-Bug
contests. Winning entries will also be displayed on the Great
Insect Fair website.
How
to Enter:
If
you decide to make a model for the contest, please mail or fax your
preregistration form to the address or fax number below. This will
reserve a spot for you in the exhibit area. (TEACHERS - you must
preregister your students by September 26th. Contact the Entomology
Department for special instructions.) Then bring your model to the
Fair by 9:30 A.M. on October 4, 2008.
REMINDER:
PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOUR
NAME AND ADDRESS
ARE LISTED SOMEWHERE ON YOUR MODEL DESCRIPTION!
If
you have any questions about the Build-A-Bug Contest, contact
Entomology Department
814-865-1895
FAX: 814-865-3048
Email: entomology@psu.edu
Preregistration
mailing address:
Build-A-Bug Registration
Department of Entomology
Penn State University
501 ASI Building
University Park, PA 16802
*
* * Back to Main Insect Fair Page
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