Joe now is in his third year of entomology. Emily (7) is in her second year and usually works with Joe searching for bugs. And Hana (2), our newest entomologist, never misses a bug and loves watching this whole process. Then there's Ed (13). Ed is not particularly fond of bugs. In fact, when we go hiking in search of bugs, Ed brings a book, finds a rock to sit on, and then reads until we return. More recently, Ed announced that he'd like to have a mom who was normal. You know, one who squishes bugs when she sees them. He's concerned that his mom not only doesn't squish them, but catches them alive and has them sealed in Ziploc bags all over the kitchen counter. Well, he's probably right, but then again, maybe all those squisher moms are missing educational opportunities.

Entomophobia, insectophobia, and arachnophobia are the fear of bugs, insects, and spiders. What better way to conquer such fears than to study and discover the wonders inherent in vermin that slither, scamper, crawl, and climb.

If you're at all interested in a foray into the world of entomology, our suggestion is that you watch for sales of nets and bug containers and buy as many of each as you can (we never seem to have enough, and the nets don't last very long if you're really using them regularly). You'll want to also obtain some cigar boxes or plastic containers with lids, put cork material in the bottom into which you can stick your pins, and then purchase some ethyl acetate and make a killing jar. A killing jar is just a small, wide-mouth jar, prepared by putting about ¼ to ½ inch of plaster of Paris in the bottom and letting it harden. Then you're all set. You'll pour a small amount of ethyl acetate in the jar and let it be absorbed into the plaster of Paris. Be very careful to keep the lid on tight, and when it's off for brief periods when a bug is being put in or removed, try not to smell the chemical. We've tried other chemicals, such as acetone and finger nail polish remover, but we feel the ethyl acetate works best for us. We order the ethyl acetate and mounting pins (they're longer than typical straight pins and don't rust or corrode) from the Homeschool Training Tools catalog. Our children also keep journals documenting things they find interesting. They draw pictures, add details from their research, and have a fascinating record of what they've learned. Entomology knowledge is a great addition to their journals, and we've found our children can spend hours poring over their numerous field guides. This is education at its best for our family.

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Heather Allen is the Town Square chief contributing writer and Senior Analytical Consultant For the Old Schoolhouse Magazine. She has a PhD in Experimental Psychology, served as an Aerospace Experimental Psychologist in the US Navy, and worked 11 years for Sandia National Laboratories. She and her husband Steve have homeschooled their three children for eight years.

Copyright 2006. Used with permission. Originally published in the Spring 2006 The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Right now, 19 free gifts when you subscribe! www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com