Pilot proposal for a “Mobile Natural History Collection on Insects” project — written in a format to present to schools, churches, or libraries.
Vermont Entomology Academy ”Pilot mobile natural history collection operation to serve communities in Vermont with lessons on insects" - a mobile natural history collection (essentially a “traveling museum” or “mobile science lab”) that brings engaging, hands-on lessons about insects to schools, churches, libraries, and other community spaces.
🪲 BugMobile: A Traveling Natural History Experience on Insects
Pilot Project Proposal (DRAFT)
Prepared by: Bernie Paquette / Vermont Entomology Academy
Date: November 2025
Contact: Bernie Paquette
1. Project Summary
BugMobile is a pilot mobile natural history collection designed to bring hands-on insect education directly to schools, churches, and libraries. The project’s goal is to inspire curiosity about nature, introduce the awe and wonder found in inverting (observation of insects), and provide equal access to high-quality science learning experiences — particularly for communities without nearby museums or science centers.
Through portable exhibits, live and preserved insect specimens, and interactive lessons, BugMobile will engage children and families in exploring the diversity, anatomy, life cycles, and vital roles of insects in ecosystems.
One key feature of the program is that it is flexible:
- Duration of the lesson plan - relatively short (20 minutes to 1 or 2 hours)
- Various themes
- Flexible in date offerings
- * Relies on a pool of 'instructors/facilitators to offer a given lesson plan they are familiar with on a date that works for them.
- Easily adaptable to audience age range.
- Best in audience/participants in small numbers (max 20), but could be scaled up for special occasions - larger events like bug fairs.
- And of course, it is mobile, meaning the program goes to where the audience/participants are located.
2. Goals and Objectives
Primary Goal:
To pilot a mobile natural history program that delivers educational sessions on insects to at least five community sites in 2026.
Objectives:
- Develop and test three portable, hands-on lesson modules aligned with school science standards.
- Reach at least 100 participants (students, parents, and educators) during the pilot.
- Collect and analyze feedback to assess educational impact and community interest.
- Produce a pilot report to support long-term sustainability and funding.
3. Target Audience
- Elementary & Middle Schools: Grades 3–8 science classes and clubs.
- Public Libraries: Family STEM events or summer reading programs.
- Faith-Based & Community Centers: Youth or after-school programs.
These partners already offer educational programming but often lack access to natural science resources or trained instructors.
4. Program Description
The BugMobile pilot will operate as a traveling mini-lab that can be set up in classrooms, libraries, or community rooms. Each session lasts approximately 60 minutes and includes:
Lesson Modules:
- Insect Explorers – Learn insect anatomy, life cycles, and diversity using preserved and live specimens.
- Pollinators & People – Discover how bees, butterflies, and beetles impact food systems and ecosystems.
- Citizen Scientists – Practice observing and identifying local insects using field guides and apps like iNaturalist.
Features & Materials:
- Portable display boxes with labeled insect specimens.
- Magnifying lenses and a digital microscope or monocular scope.
- Educational activity cards.
- Interactive crafts (“Build a Bug” models, pollination experiments).
- Optional live observation kits (ants, mealworms, or silkworms).
Each session is led by a trained facilitator (naturalist or science educator) and adapted for age and audience.
5. Implementation Plan
Timeline | Activities |
Months: | Finalize materials, assemble insect displays, recruit pilot partners |
Months: | Conduct pilot sessions at 5–7 sites |
Month: | Collect feedback through surveys and interviews |
Month: | Evaluate outcomes, prepare final report, plan next phase |
Partnerships:
Potential collaborators include local schools, nature centers, university biology departments, and youth organizations (e.g., Scouts, 4-H).
6. Budget Summary (Pilot Phase)
Item | Estimated Cost |
Specimens & Display Materials | |
Microscopes / Magnifiers | |
Lesson Materials & Supplies | |
Transportation (mileage, signage) | |
Insurance & Permits | |
Marketing & Outreach | |
Evaluation & Reporting | |
Total Estimated Budget |
Funding sources may include small education grants, local sponsors, donations, or program fees from partner organizations.
7. Evaluation & Outcomes
Success of the pilot will be measured by:
- Number of participants and partner sites.
- Teacher and participant surveys assessing engagement and learning.
- Observed increases in curiosity, understanding, and appreciation for insects.
- Documentation of logistics and costs for scaling up.
Findings will be summarized in a Pilot Evaluation Report with recommendations for future expansion.
8. Long-Term Vision
Following a successful pilot, BugMobile aims to:
- Expand to include additional natural history topics (Plant and insect interaction and dependency, ecosystems).
- Establish ongoing partnerships with schools and libraries.
The project will ultimately form the foundation for a regional mobile science education program serving diverse communities year-round.
9. Contact
Project Leaders: Bernie Paquette and _________? Working Group members: ________?
Organization: Vermont Entomology Academy
Email: Bernie.paquette@y___.com
Phone:
Website / Social Media: vtbugeyed.blogspot.com