---

ENTOMOLOGY/BEEKEEPING PRESENTATIONS

Presentations can be one of the most valuable activities in which a 4-H'er participates. These involve becoming the "expert" in a subject and being able to relate this information to a public audience. The process develops public speaking skills and self confidence along with deeper knowledge of the subject matter. These are life skills which will stay with the 4-H'er throughout his/her future.

The only structure of the presentations is that they run a recommended minimum of three minutes and a required maximum of 12 minutes. An easel and table are usually provided. Presenters may use these if they wish, or develop the setting in any other way. Partners of two are allowed to present.

The presentation is best when some degree of activity or actual demonstration is included rather than strictly lecture.

Presentation Ideas:

Following are some ideas for possible presentations. Do not take this as a finite list and you are encouraged to adopt and modify the topic to the presenter's interest. The 4-H Entomology Specialist will be happy to discuss these or any ideas with you.

Don't be afraid to be creative.

• How to make an insect collection
• Collecting and attracting butterflies
• Biological control of insect pests
• Insect pests of livestock (horses, poultry, cattle, or swine)
• Aquatic Insects - collection, or insects as indicators of water quality
• What you should know about spiders
• What you should know about ticks
• How to make an ant farm
• How to raise crickets
• Termites- social behavior/treatment
• Fire ants/treatment
• Insect pests of man
• Fireflies/lightning bugs
• Predatory insects
• Insect behavior
• Insect societies
• How insects fly
• Keeping your home roach free
• Insects that carry disease
• Insects in biological control of pests
• Insect vision
• Life history of any specific insect (e.g. preying mantid, whirligig, lady beetle)

• Beekeeping:
• How to get started in beekeeping
• Diseases and Pests of the Honey Bee
• Products of the Beehive
• The history of the honey bee and man
• How to remove and extract honey from a hive.
• Pollination and the honey bee.

Entomology 1, Public Library books, Extension Agent, Pest Control Operator, biology teacher, WEB, beekeeper, farmer

Purpose/Objective:

To enhance skills of verbal and visual communication using insects as subject matter.

To demonstrate investigation of the topic through literature search, interviews, and personal experience.

To depict aspects of entomology as fun, important to human health and well-being, or economically important.

To depict insects accurately, show their importance to man and the environment and
reduce the public's fear of them.

Eligibility

Individuals or teams may compete.

       9-10 - 4-H'er must be 9 years old prior to January 1 of the current year and not have reached their
       eleventh burthday before January 1 of the current year.

       11-13 - 4-H'er must be eleven years old prior to January 1 of the current year and not have reached
       their thirteenth birthday before January 1 of the current year.

       14-18 - 4-H'er must be thirteen years of age prior to January 1 of the current year, and not have
       reached their nineteenth birthday before January 1 of the current year.

Rules/Regulations specific to program area:

Time: a recommended minimum of 5 minutes and a required maximum of 12 minutes.

Due to unforeseeable situations, no live insects will be allowed. Some preserved material is highly suggested, however.

Though not actually insects, ticks, mites, spiders and other small arthropods are included under the subject head of Entomology.

The current year's awards book serves as the official rule book and may supercede this document.

Judging: The standard score sheet applies.

Presenters will be required to answer questions from the judges.
• Only the judges will be allowed to ask questions.
• A greater depth of knowledge and difficulty of topic should be demonstrated at the senior level.

Try not to pick a topic which is too broad and can't adequately be covered in the time allotted. Presenters should speak as loudly as required based on the size of the room.

Posters should be simple and lettering large enough to be read from the back of a room.

Use an outline, posters, and props to guide through the presentation rather that reading from a script. Dress as a professional or in costume. Look at the audience as much as possible. Use voice inflections. Take a deep breath and relax before beginning.

Remember, you will survive this experience!

Awards:

Specialist-in-charge: Steve Bambara, Box 7613, Raleigh, NC 27695 (919) 515-1661 steve_bambara@ncsu.edu