Incorporating Bingo in Ag Programming
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Kate Kammler
Field Specialist in Horticulture
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION
SAINTE GENEVIEVE
Abstract
Bug Bingo was created for a Conservation Field Day for third and fourth graders in 2010 and has been taught every year since. The challenge was creating a 25-minute lesson that could be repeated eight times in one day with each session remaining consistent and covering the same information at an outside venue. Bug Bingo fulfills those requirements and eliminates speaker fatigue and confusion about what has been covered in a particular session. Laminated pages with pictures of 30 different insects have basic information about each insect written on the back. Corresponding bingo cards were created and laminated. Dried beans are used to cover the squares when insect pictures are shown. The youth guess the insect identification then we talk about beneficial insects versus pests. They love playing until it is time to switch sessions. Conservation Field Day is for third and fourth graders so observations of impact can be made when students return the next year and remember the insect identification and if they are beneficial or a pest. It is easy to change the bingo card to other ag topics like weeds, livestock, or safety equipment. Coworkers can use the game with little knowledge of insects, and it has become popular with specialists around the state for youth activities. It is not just popular with younger kids; I have also used it for FFA field days and adult garden groups. Program impacts include increased knowledge of common insects, beneficial insects and pests, problem solving skills, and helping eliminate fear of insects that might bite or sting.
Authors: Kate Kammler
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Kate Kammler Field Specialist in Horticulture, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 63670-9250