Playgrounds are more than just spaces for children to play—they can also serve as rich environments for scientific discovery. A group of students in Australia has taken their curiosity about insects and spiders to the next level by mapping and even discovering new species.
With insect populations declining and species going extinct at an alarming rate, these young citizen scientists are contributing valuable knowledge to the scientific community. Scientists estimate that only a third of Australia’s insect species have been formally identified, leaving around 150,000 species unnamed and unstudied. Understanding these species is crucial for conservation efforts and maintaining ecological balance.
Students Discover and Name New Insect Species Through Citizen Science Initiative
To bridge this knowledge gap, researchers launched Insect Investigators, a citizen science project that involved students from 50 regional schools across three states. Throughout the school year, students actively surveyed insect diversity collaborated with entomologists, and even had the opportunity to name newly discovered species.
Some of the species named by students included Apanteles darthvaderi, inspired by the way the wasp “sucks the life out of caterpillars,” and Coccygidium mellosiheroine, meaning “honey-colored hero,” named for its role in controlling crop pests. The initiative not only contributed to scientific knowledge but also fostered a deeper appreciation for insects and biodiversity among students.
Students Discover New Insect Species in Playground Citizen Science ProjectApproximately 1,800 students and 70 teachers participated in the project, collecting over 12,000 insect specimens. These samples were sent to scientists for sorting and DNA barcoding, a process that sequences a small part of the genome to differentiate species.
More than 5,465 distinct species were identified, with 3,000 of them previously unrecorded in the global Barcode of Life DNA database. The classification and naming of these species will take years, but the project has already made a significant contribution to insect taxonomy. The research demonstrated how students could play a meaningful role in advancing science while learning firsthand about biodiversity.
Hands-on Learning Inspires Curiosity, Scientific Thinking, and Environmental Responsibility in Students
Engaging with insects in their natural habitat provided students with an immersive learning experience, sparking curiosity about nature and science. Many students reported a newfound interest in spending time outdoors and protecting the environment. Teachers also benefited from the enthusiasm generated by the project, with many expressing increased motivation to teach science-related topics.
A participating teacher noted that students gained insight into scientific research processes, fieldwork protocols, and the importance of conservation. By making learning interactive and exciting, the project proved that hands-on education is a powerful tool for fostering interest in STEM subjects.
School-based citizen science projects like Insect Investigators provide an accessible way for students to contribute to scientific research while developing critical thinking skills. Tools like the iNaturalist App and the Atlas of Living Australia allow students to observe and document insect species in their local environment, promoting engagement with nature beyond the classroom.
By integrating science literacy into early education, these programs help cultivate curiosity and environmental responsibility among young learners. The success of Insect Investigators highlights the potential of school-based citizen science to inspire the next generation of scientists while contributing to biodiversity conservation efforts.
