Through the CityBugs program, students will use insects to explore their local ecology, gain an appreciation for the life and biodiversity that exists around them, learn scientific classification, taxonomy, and physiology, and integrate science education with computer technology and internet skills. The use of internet resources will not only familiarize students with using technology, but will also allow information and knowledge from the University to be transferred quickly and tailored to the needs of science teachers. The program complements science education requirements for students learning physical, life and biological sciences and is designed to be culturally relevant to urban-based students. The CityBugs project began in the spring of 1997. UCB professors and graduate students make visits to these classrooms to both collaborate with the teachers, and to provide assistance and expert subject knowledge to the teachers and students.
Students use the Internet as a source of information and method of study in their science education.
A solid link between UC Berkeley and OUSD has been established that will continue as the project develops and expands. In addition, CityBugs has created this web page that provides a wealth of information on insects to the general public, and participating UCB Entomologists answer dozens of e-mail questions monthly from both students and community members as a result of this web page. As the project continues, CityBugs will work with a larger group of teachers leaders to design the curriculum and to train other teachers to use it in their own classrooms. The teacher leaders will have the opportunity to become leaders in science education within the school district while expanding their own knowledge of the subject of insects. All curriculum will be added to the CityBugs web page to be made available to any other interested schools and to the general public.