🐛 🦗 🦋 Rising sixth through 12th graders in the Buncombe County Schools Migrant Education Program (MEP) learned all about about insects on the campus of UNC-Asheville (UNCA) as part of the Insects Everywhere summer camp earlier this month.
During the four-day camp, students studied the growth and development of tomato hornworm caterpillars and tested which types of flowers attract which species of insect. They then designed, coded, and built robot insects with the help of Zaniac Asheville and used the robots to demonstrate the different ways insects eat. This camp was made possible through a grant from the Burough's Welcome Fund and a partnership with UNC-Asheville.
“This camp provided a priceless experience at UNCA's campus and in its lab,” said Katie Hobbs, outreach specialist for MEP. “Students utilized the scientific method and were immersed into a world of biology. The students got an introduction to coding and different opportunities that are available in that field. They built lasting friendships with other MEP students as well as with the UNCA students who were invested and supportive camp leaders. Lastly, they also got some time to play fútbol!”
Shaun, a rising 11th grader, said he enjoyed working in groups and getting to know other students in the camp. Through observation, his group discovered that bees prefer lighter colored flowers. The team built a robot that mimicked the mouthparts of a butterfly.
“It was hard making it work and involved coding,” he said. “But learning about insects was really fun.”
Jazmin, a rising senior, said the college atmosphere helped her learn more about research.
“We tested and learned from the results,” she said. “A lot of people don’t like insects, but they are really important to the environment.”
View more photos on Facebook and Instagram, as well as this Instagram Reel.