Fascinating Bug Investigations at Penn State's Great Insect Fair - September 2004

September 1, 2004

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA -- "Fascinating Bug Investigations" (or FBI) is the theme of Penn State's 2004 Great Insect Fair, which will feature exhibits and activities illustrating how insects are used by police detectives and coroners to help solve crimes.

Sponsored by the College of Agricultural Sciences' entomology department, the fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 11 in the Ag Arena, at the corner of Park Avenue and Fox Hollow Road (across from Beaver Stadium) on the University Park campus.

"Insects can tell investigators a lot if they know how to handle and interpret the evidence," says Insect Fair coordinator Ke Chung Kim, a professor of entomology who has testified at numerous murder trials as a forensic entomologist. "Visitors will learn what insect biology can reveal about such things as time of death and where the crime occurred. We hope to give the public a glimpse into the science of forensic entomology."

Organizers say fun and interactive events are being planned to appeal to people of all ages:

Insects in Homeland Security. Learn how Penn State research on insect sensors, such as antennae and sex pheremones, may lead to systems that can detect explosives and other harmful agents.
Insect Olympics. A series of Olympic "events" will allow visitors to compare their physical prowess to that of bugs.
Mystery Maze. As visitors walk through a corn maze, they can stop at stations and get answers to questions about genetically modified crops that are resistant to insect pests.
Insect Zoo. See and touch many fascinating, live insects.
Insect Deli. "Cicada Cuisine" will be featured, along with the ever-popular chocolate "chirpies" (chocolate-covered crickets).
Build-a-Bug Contest. Bring your homemade insect for judging and a chance to win prizes. (for rules and guidelines, visit the Web at http://entscied.cas.psu.edu/BAB.html.)
Musical entertainment. The Caterpillars of Society will "rock the hive."
Children's games and activities. Kids can enjoy face painting and games, such as Bug-o-Bingo, and build their own insects at the "Insect Construction Company."
Insect vendors. Shop for insect arts, crafts, books and t-shirts.
The BugMobile! talking car. Learn about insects and integrated pest management while chatting with The BugMobile!
Ladybug Theatre. Professional actors from the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts will present three shows of "Mysterious Miss Squito" and "A Joyful Noise: Poetry for Two Voices."
Admission to the Great Insect Fair is free, although donations will be accepted to help defray costs. Free parking is available at the Ag Arena and across Park Avenue at the Centre County/Penn State Visitor Center. For more information, call the entomology department at (814) 865-1895 or visit the Web at http://entscied.cas.psu.edu/.