MSU Bug House Announces Six-Legged Saturdays
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EmailThe Bug House is launching Six-Legged Saturdays, a new free monthly program designed to introduce children and families to insects through engaging, accessible activities.
Michigan State University’s Bug House, managed by the Department of Entomology, is launching Six-Legged Saturdays as a new addition to its public programming following a successful crowdfunding effort supported by a significant contribution from the Great Lakes Entomological Society.
The family-friendly events will take place on the third Saturday of each month and will run alongside the Bug House’s existing monthly open houses, both of which are free and open to the public. “With Six-Legged Saturdays, we are able to provide additional free opportunities for folks to visit the Bug House at family-friendly times,” said Amanda Lorenz, director of the Bug House. Programming will include an insect-themed story time led by Entomology Department Chair Hannah Burrack and hands-on, bug-inspired crafts
The goal of Six-Legged Saturdays is to introduce young audiences to science in a fun and engaging way while fostering curiosity about insects. “The Bug House provides a welcoming environment in which to learn about insects with opportunities to safely interact with live bugs,” said Lorenz.
Live insect handling during Six-Legged Saturdays is completely optional, and participants may choose activities that do not involve close contact with the live insects housed at the Bug House.
“Insects are a wonderful way to engage people in learning about nature and science because everyone has some feeling about them. Folks may be fascinated, fearful, or grossed out, and this helps drive them to learn more!” Burrack said. “My hope is that expanding Bug House programming to weekends will allow more community members to attend, particularly those who cannot attend our weekday and evening events.”
In addition to the new programming, the Bug House will continue to offer its regular monthly open houses on the second Monday of each month from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Visitors of all ages are invited to explore live insects and arachnids and learn more about their ecological importance.
The first Six-Legged Saturday will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Click here for directions to the Bug House.
Free public parking is available on campus during weekends. Lot 7, located adjacent to the Natural Science building, is the closest parking to the Bug House and can be accessed from West Circle Drive.
