Coloring Exercises for Insect Identification and Conservation Awareness

Abstract

The Endangered Species Act in the United States of America currently protects more than 1,500 species, 74 of which are insects, including the american burying beetle (ABB) and the rusty patched bumble bee. Insects that are experiencing population declines, such as the monarch butterfly, are under consideration for protection. Awareness of biological diversity, the ability to recognize an endangered species, and understanding the conservation of beneficial insects can begin at an early age. We designed a coloring exercise to promote insect species awareness and introduced this activity to elementary and middle school students in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA. We assessed students' insect identification abilities by presenting a quiz on species diversity and ABB identification before and after the coloring exercise. Inspired by the quiz results, we created coloring templates for additional insect species, including the monarch butterfly, ladybird beetles, and bumble bees. These exercises will promote awareness of endangered species and improve science literacy in the classroom.