A recent paper examines the ethics of insect "collecting", although in reality it is focussed on lethal methods. For all the ethical problems, close hands-on interactions with insects "can foster the development of environmentally conscious young people who contribute to the long-term preservation of local habitats ... By encouraging students to explore outdoor environments, insect collecting can nurture a connection with nature, inspiring a lifelong interest in natural sciences and environmental stewardship".
Abstract: Insects have long been integral to youth science education both in K-12 classrooms and in informal learning contexts due to their diversity, accessibility, and ecological importance. Collecting and studying insects helps students develop key scientific skills such as observation, classification, and inquiry. However, with the rise of conservation movements and ethical considerations regarding animal rights, the practice of insect collecting has come under scrutiny. This paper explores the practice of insect collecting with students in the K-12 age range, highlighting both its educational benefits and the ethical challenges it poses. We examine arguments both for and against insect collecting and propose a framework from which teachers, students, and informal educators can construct their own code of ethics. The goal is to foster ethical, inquiry-based learning while ensuring respect for nature and promoting a nuanced understanding of environmental stewardship.
White, P., Stroupe, D., Brown, C., Conley, E., & McMahon, S. (2025) Insect collecting with K-12 aged students: Balancing educational value and ethical considerations. The Journal of Environmental Education, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1080/00958964.2025.2567386
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