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- Title
Comparing Entomology-Themed Outreach Events: Annual Festivals and Open Houses in the United States.
- Authors
Wycoff, Stephanie Blevins; Frank, Daniel L.; Weaver, Michael J.
- Abstract
Simple Summary: Entomology festivals and open houses seek to educate the public about insects and other arthropods and have been growing in popularity over the past several decades. These events aim to increase understanding and appreciation for these often misunderstood animals. A study was initiated in 2016 to identify science institutions across the United States hosting these public outreach events. Literature reviews and online searches revealed several institutions hosting entomology-themed outreach events, which were subsequently contacted to participate in a survey regarding their events. The survey received a response rate of 93%. Results from the survey offered valuable insights into these events, including records of attendance, event structure, funding sources, popular exhibits, and the impacts on attendees, hosting institutions, and local communities. Many events experienced significant disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting some to transition to online experiences. Despite these challenges, most of these events have remained in place since the survey, highlighting the continued commitment to entomological outreach among these institutions. Over the past several decades, there has been a growing prevalence of entomology-themed outreach events, which seek to educate the public about insects and other arthropods, fostering a greater appreciation and understanding of these often misunderstood organisms. In 2016, a comparative analysis was initiated to identify science institutions across the United States engaged in providing annual entomology-themed outreach events to the public. Utilizing literature reviews and online searches, several science institutions were identified and subsequently contacted to partake in a survey regarding their events. The survey received a response rate of 93%. Results from the survey offered valuable insights into these entomology-themed outreach events, including records of attendance, event structures, funding sources, popular exhibits, and the impacts on attendees, hosting institutions, and local communities. While the majority of these events have remained in place since the survey, many have experienced significant disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting some to adapt to innovative online formats and virtual experiences. Despite these challenges, the commitment to entomological outreach continues today, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the entomology community.
- Subjects
UNITED States; HOUSING policy; FESTIVALS; COVID-19 pandemic; ELECTRONIC information resource searching; ENTOMOLOGY
- Publication
Insects (2075-4450), 2024, Vol 15, Issue 5, p337
- ISSN
2075-4450
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.3390/insects15050337