The question of how insects protect themselves was explored by 20 youths at the 4-H day camp in Worthington. The science-filled morning was led by Minnesota West biology professor Heidi Tarus. Equipped with bug nets and petri dishes, the youths ventured outside to the Minnesota West pollinator plots. Using sweep nets, they discovered various insects living in the plot, such as mosquitoes, dragonflies, and spiders. Back in the biology lab, the youths examined their insects under microscopes and observed the exoskeleton.
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 kids attending the Nobles County 4-H Science Fun Day Camp on the Worthington campus of Minnesota West Community and Technical College were led by Minnesota West Biology and Natural Science Instructor Heidi Tarus and Nobles County 4-H Extension Educator Anna Rose. They all had a chance to set their collected specimens under a microscope and display them on a large screen TV.