The Bug Lab

High School programs are detailed, fact filled and combine ecology and the diversity of life, conservation, rare species and species interactions. These topics are combined in a seminar that gives students ideas about careers in the natural sciences. All presentations are interactive, involve student participation and show live bugs to students.

General outline of school group bug museum visits

Presentation (30 minutes) Students are seated in our presentation area and receive a presentation about some of the bugs in the museum, on the topic chosen by the teacher (see below).

Independent exercise in bug museum (30 minutes) Your class become Entomologists and complete an independent exercise in the bug museum. Students observe the bugs in their habitats and record ‘data’ on observation sheets, just like scientists.  Bug Lab staff assist your class with their observation worksheets.  Worksheets are age and learning level appropriate. There are additional games, puzzles, books, activities and worksheets to challenge students who may be finished early.

Wrap Up (15 minutes) We seat the students back in the presentation area and students have an opportunity to ask additional questions.

Presentation Topics (chosen by teacher at time of booking)

1. Bug Diversity: Learn about insect diversity, the differences between insects and other bugs, the various ways that insects protect themselves and view some impressive live bugs too.
2. Arachnids: Arachnids are the group of bugs that include spiders, mites and scorpions, among others.  Learn about these various types of arachnids, conservation, habitat and facts.

Craft Add-ons for students

Craft programs are scheduled after students finish their independent exercise in the bug museum. Craft programs are 1/2 an hour, all materials are supplied and involve hands on participation.

Crafts are $1.75 extra per student (including tax). Groups with >25 participants will be divided and half the group will complete craft while the other half visits the bug museum, then the two groups switch activities.

Choose one of these craft activities for your whole group. The whole group does the same craft activity, no exceptions.

1. Dreamcatcher (suitable for Grade 3 and up). Learn about First Nations dreamcatchers and make one to bring home with you.
2. Dragonfly ornament (suitable for Kindergarten to Grade 3). Learn a cultural story about dragonflies, the meaning of the dragonfly, and make an ornament.
3. Bug catcher (suitable for Kindergarten and up). Make a bug catcher that you can use to catch bugs in your parks, backyards and gardens. Learn about catching insects, respect, observation and the importance of letting insects go back into nature.

Cost and terms of school group presentations

• $6 per person (including tax) (admission without craft add-on)
• Minimum 20 participants for program; ($120 minimum for program)
• Admission of $6 per person applies to all participants (e.g. adults, parents, siblings)
• $60 deposit required at time of booking. Unfortunately, we cannot hold your place without a deposit, no exceptions. Deposits are non-refundable.
• Craft add-on $1.75 per student, including tax. All craft supplies are included.
• When you make a booking, we will send you a confirmation via fax/email by the next business day. If you do not receive a confirmation, please advise us immediately, otherwise we will assume you received the confirmation. Please review the confirmation, dates and final price of program and immediately advise us of errors. 
• If you would like to pay your deposit by cheque sent from your school, cheque must be received three weeks in advance of program. We do not accept personal cheques.
• No food, drink or snack time is permitted in the museum area. 

Please fill out the booking request form below. We will respond to your request within two business days. Thank you!

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