Updated to align with the Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Language Arts and Math, this interdisciplinary unit allows your students to explore the world of insects, understand the importance insects have in our lives, and to be apprentice scientists taking scientific data in the field.

Teachers may bring students to Fermilab for free field trips. Students conduct field studies in three habitats—prairie, woodland, and wetland. Using simple scientific tools, they capture invertebrates, take data, and assess the quality of the habitats. Send email to edreg@fnal.gov.

"Excellent! We were all so pleased with the field trip!! The docents were very knowledgeable and great with kids. Loved the 3 habitat visits + hunting for bugs."

"Once we've completed our insect unit, the Fermilab field trip provides the perfect way to take the learning beyond the classroom. The docents know so much more than I do, and can point out details I'd certainly miss, in a friendly and exciting way. We love our Fermilab field trip, and do it every year!"

To schedule your field trip, contact us at edreg@fnal.gov or call us at 630-840-8258.

To fully prepare your students for a physical science or life science visit, you must participate in either a two-hour training session or a summer Teacher Workshop. These will give you all the information and resources to implement engaging preparatory activities in the classroom that introduce the essential concepts, content, and logistics of the field trip. Your participation will allow your students to learn more about the research and ecology of Fermilab and to better appreciate their on-site experience.

Two-hour Field Trip Essentials sessions:

• Registration required three weeks prior.
  Location: Lederman Science Center
  Time: 4-6 p.m., with a 10-minute break
  Fee: Free of charge
  You must have a REAL ID-compliant document, such as an enhanced driver's license or passport, to enter Fermilab. Visit get-connected.fnal.gov/real-id-at-fermilab for more information.

• Insects at Work in Our World (Life Science grades 1–2)
  • April 24 registration

Teachers expand their knowledge of the importance insects have in our lives and in nature through many explorations. Teachers take home their own insect collection to use in the classroom.

"It was 100% practical! I loved learning things that I knew I'd be able to use in the classroom. I entered the workshop at my principal's request, though I had little love of insects personally, but I left it appreciating insects and all they do for our world."

More information on our workshops can be found here.