Museums in miniature: Bringing entomology to South Carolina schools

Primary schools are an active area of outreach for the Clemson University Arthropod Collection. During the pandemic, the Clemson Entomology Club was unable to visit schools in person. Virtual presentations are an excellent avenue, but something about seeing preserved specimens in person is pure magic for the children and teachers alike. The Entomological Society of America created the Chrysalis Fund to educate K-12 students about entomology. We received the grant and were funded $2,000 to create and distribute 20 “Museums in Miniature.” These are insect drawers with South Carolina insects and relevant lesson plans created by the Clemson Entomology Club for primary schools across the state of South Carolina at no charge. We anticipate our 20 Museums in Miniature will be viewed and used by up to 80,000 students over the next decade.