At the 4-H day camp in Worthington, a group of 20 young people explored the question of how insects protect themselves. Led by Minnesota West biology professor Heidi Tarus, the science-filled morning began with the youths equipped with bug nets and petri dishes. They ventured outside to the Minnesota West pollinator plots, using sweep nets to discover various insects such as mosquitoes, dragonflies, and spiders.
Back in the biology lab, the youths examined their insects under microscopes and observed their exoskeletons. To conclude the day camp, the youths were challenged to create an exoskeleton model that could protect their model bug. Materials like cardboard, bubble wrap, egg cartons, and more were taped together and tested. Many of the youths’ exoskeleton models withstood the weight of ten heavy biology books.
The Nobles County 4-H Science Fun Day Camp on the Worthington campus of Minnesota West Community and Technical College was led by Minnesota West Biology and Natural Science Instructor Heidi Tarus and Nobles County 4-H Extension Educator Anna Rose. The kids attending had a chance to set their collected specimens under a microscope and display them on a large screen TV.
