Insects In The Classroom

Using insects in the classroom has never been easier. Our specially designed insect kits are low maintenance, low cost and down right easy to keep. Students of all ages will be able to undertake the general maintenance of any insect you choose for the classroom. They will also be able to assist in the gathering of all feeding and housing requirements needed. Of course our fact sheets guide you through all the steps on insect keeping, rearing and breeding. Our `Insect Kits' are a great introduction to the insect world and are designed to encourage student participation. All our insects are great for "HANDS-ON" use as there are no biting or smelly factors involved.

Along with the insect fact sheet, included is a Teacher Information Pack, which provides further information such as exoskeletons, biology, general insect information, plus activities for the classroom. If at any time you require assistance, we always welcome a phone call or email.

Once you have purchased a kit you need not come back to us for any supplies, the fact sheet provides information on how to gather or make food, change housing material and all relevant information. But if you do need some back up supplies, we do have them available. Don't forget, from the original kit you will be able to breed your own and have insects available each year for use in the classroom.

Some live insects suitable for the classroom include:

Beetles
Grubs
Giant Burrowing Cockroach, we call them Litter Bugs
Stick Insects

Why Keep Insects in the Classroom?

Many students have a poor image of insects in general most likely due to a negative experience or often, misinformation.

Keeping live insects in the classroom brings students closer to a world they would usually ignore or avoid. As our insects are `friendly' insects that do not attack or stink, students can interact with confidence.

Questions Frequently Asked?

Q: Are the insects safe to handle?
A: Yes, all our insects are safe for students of all ages and would encourage them to do so.
Q: Can we breed our own insects?
A: Yes, all our kits come with information on all stages of growth including breeding.
Q: Can we house different kinds of insects together?
A: Best not to, especially if you wish to breed, as many insects have different breeding and/or housing requirements.
Q: What happens with a grub kit?
A: The grubs are fed on an organic food mix until they are ready to pupate (similar to the butterfly pupa stage). At this stage the grub makes a dirt ball type construction called a pupa cell in which it will change to a beetle. After a few weeks in the pupa cell a beetle will emerge ready to fly.
Q: How long will our beetles live for?
A: Depending on what species you have an approximate average time, 12 weeks. During this time, the fir lades have, la cfi theirleggs and grubs will hatch from these eggs. You will feed the grubs through to pupa and then emerging as adult beetles the same time each year.
Q: How long does the Giant Burrowing cockroach live?
A: They can live up to 10 years of age.
Q: What if we have some questions on our insects?
A: We are always available by phone or email to assist you with any queries you may have.

To view insect kits available go to the Great Pets page. Check the Catalogue for relevant prices.

The Austalian Insect Farm
P.O. Box 26,
Innisfail Qld. 4860
Telephone 61 07 40 633 860
Fax: 61 07 40 633 860

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