Education and Outreach
In addition to research and conservation, education and outreach are also critical and synergistic elements of our organization’s mission.
It is critical that we share our research with the public and display as many species as possible to give people a true sense of the world’s biodiversity and its value: A true sense of what “Life On Earth” really means!
Invertebrate Focused Education and Outreach to inspire conservation of the natural world:
Our educational programs feature giant live exotic insects and other invertebrates from around the world! We dive into topics such as biodiversity, biotechnology, chemistry, biochemistry, genomics, ecology, entomology, biology, conservation and other related fields. The programs educate the audience and public about the biology and chemistry of invertebrates and their value to humans and life on earth.
Current planned programming:
ISI will conduct 30-60 minute programs via online webinars or in-person events focused on a specific topic for each program or course. Topics include: Biodiversity, Biotechnology, Genomics, Bioprospecting, Molecular Biology, Entomology and others. These programs will be available to venues such as high schools, colleges, universities, botanical gardens, zoos, gardening clubs and many others! Please inquire about our programs and fees.
ISI will also present talks and educational booths at science themed events such as science festivals, bugfests, conferences and other STEM events around the US.
What We’ve Done:
ISI has already presented at major events and institutions. ISI has presented 3 times at the largest science festival in the United States held every 2 years in Washington DC (see photo albums for more details). We have worked with the University of Georgia in the past, building their insect zoo in 2013 and assisting with their Entomology outreach programming.
ISI has also published many scientific research publications and always strives to work hard to bring those to the public for free easy public access. We also maintain one of the larger invertebrate and science/nature themed Facebook pages where we post invertebrate photos (with educational captions), videos and news articles.
Education and Outreach at the Biodome:
ISI will also host evening adult education and entertainment events to learn about invertebrates, their importance to life on earth and the wonders of the natural world. These will include weekend evening wine and cheese events with talks by staff or world renowned invited scientists, art exhibits and sales and other entertaining yet educational and inspirational programming.
ISI Bugfest at the Biodome:
ISI’s BIG annual event will be a “Bugfest” at our facility bringing together other organizations, vendors, artists, performers and other fans of invertebrates, science and nature. There will be a host of activities, research talks, entertaining presentations on various science topics and demonstrations for holding LIVE giant invertebrates from all over the world! ISI’s bug fest will also host food trucks, food vendors, our world class invertebrate themed gift shop and “Insects as Sustainable Food Ingredients” cooking demonstrations and insect based food!
Invertebrate Studies Institute’s mission is to inspire appreciation for and conservation of the natural world through invertebrate focused research, education, outreach, entertainment activities.
Invertebrate Studies Institute, Inc. (ISI) is a non-profit 501c3 organization.
Our Offices
Invertebrate Studies Institute, Inc.
University Research Park
755 Research Parkway, Suite 552
Oklahoma City, OK 73130
Phone: 352-281-3643
Email: support@isibugs.org
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ISI inspires appreciation for science, invertebrates and the natural world.