Insects and education: Using drawings as tools to gauge knowledge gained in students

Sunday, November 10, 2024

3:18 PM – 3:30 PM MST

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, 221 B, PCC

Presenting Author(s)

EC

Elizabeth Carlson

Graduated Undergraduate Student (May 2024)
Oklahoma State University
Haslet, Texas

Co-Author(s)

AS

Andrine A. Shufran (she/her/hers)

Director OSU Insect Adventure
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Emily A. Geest

Postdoctoral Fellow
Oklahoma State University
Warr Acres, Oklahoma

Entomology is an important biological field because insects virtually impact all aspects of human life. As a result, entomology education is a vital subject that needs to be taught. For this study 69 elementary students were asked to draw what they thought an insect looks like before and after a three part hands-on insect presentation. After analysis, it was shown that the results from the pre and post drawings were significant. Insect education can positively impact a child’s understanding of insects and is demonstrated through the increased accuracy of their drawings.