Hatching New Scientists

Not everyone shares my perspective that science is interesting, accessible, and, yes, even fun. On Saturday, I stopped by an event that clearly demonstrates that we can make science all of those things and more.

The Department of Entomology hosted its 16th annual Great Insect Fair at the Snider Ag Arena, and there were literally thousands of visitors during the course of the day (see my Twitter feed from the event for a few pictures). As I walked around the venue, there was a deli, arts and crafts tables, t-shirts sales, and a variety of other “fair” type activities. But for those watching and listening, there was much, much more. The honey-tasting area was a chance to talk about pollinators and the importance of pollination in production of the food we eat. Over at the pesticide education miniature golf area, golfers learned how food is produced with less and less pesticide application to improve human and environmental health. This message was reinforced right next door at the Bugmobile, a talking Volkswagen “bug,” sponsored by the Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management program. A lot of kids got their first tattoo – an emerald ash borer temporary tattoo – and learned about the dangers of invasive species from the Pennsylvania Invasive Species Council. Youngsters taught youngsters, as 4-Hers brought their insect collections and talked nonstop to visitors about the biology of their prizes.

We scientists have to share the importance of what we do. Science in our College helps provide healthy, safe, and affordable food to the world, it protects the environment, and it strengthens families and communities. The future of our food and fiber systems will require scientific advances. We must share the power of how science benefits society at every opportunity. Props to our Department of Entomology for tackling this need head-on. I think I saw a few budding scientists in that crowd on Saturday.