Science Fair Project Ideas Having to Do with Entomology

Population Simulation Slideshow

• Use a computer and PowerPoint software program for a presentation about insect population. Add insect photos to each slide, showing the progression from insect egg to larvae to pupa to adult. Include details about the length of time between stages. Create a slide showing the total number of eggs that could be produced at one time by your insect (moths, for instance, can produce up to 200 eggs at once). Highlight how fast and large a population can become. For example, 200 moth's eggs could net 100 adult female moths, which would go on to produce 200 eggs each (100 x 200 = 20,000 moths). List adverse affects to people and plants if nature didn't intervene through weather, predators and disease.

Insect Predator Video

• Make a video of specific predators that prey on your chosen insect. Film the predators in action, showing how the insect is cornered or captured by each of the predators--or how it escapes each one. Supply a voiceover, detailing what is taking place in the scenes. Record information about the geographical locations the insect populates and where the predators are more prevalent. Include graphs of the geographical areas and the population numbers for the insect in each of the areas of the world or country on posterboard or within the video. Set the video to loop (repeat) over and over without the need for monitoring during the science fair.

Insect Classification Chart

• Choose one insect--like the American bollworm--to highlight. Using that insect, create an insect chart classification system on poster board, visually breaking down the order classification system used to identify this insect. Your science project should include the following classification breakdown: kingdom (animal), phylum (Arthropoda), class (Hexapoda or insects), order (Lepidoptera or butterflies/moths), family (Noctuidae), genus (Helicoverpa) and then species (Helicoverpa armigera, or American bollworm).

  Include pictures of the American bollworm (or other insect chosen to highlight) or place real insects in a clear see-through container requiring no attention during the science fair.

Live Specimens

• Engage your science fair audience by providing live insect specimens to observe. Create habitats in keeping with each insect. Choose clear containers. Place dirt, small rocks and small twigs in the bottom of the container. Poke nail-sized holes in the top of the container's lid--or place mesh netting over the top and secure it with a rubber band--in order to allow air to enter the container. Choose hole and net sizes that prohibit the departure of your insect from its container. Purchase containers that have built-in microscopes to allow for up-close viewing.