The University of Aberdeen Natural History Centre and Talisman Energy have collaborated to create innovative workshops for schoolchildren this weekend (September 13, 14).
The Insect Inspectors sessions - which are part of TechFest In September - will provide opportunities for youngsters to get up close and personal with insects which are thought to make up 80% of the animal world.
More than 300 schoolchildren from across Aberdeen City and Shire have already attended the Primary Schools Programme sessions of Insect Inspectors and heard about diversity, pollination and the food chain in the insect world.
Pupils also got the chance to handle two types of stick insects from the Asian and South American rain forests and were able to take a close look at mosquitoes using microscopes.
Participants of the weekday sessions also left with colourful caterpillar toys courtesy of Talisman Energy.
Young visitors to the Insect Inspectors sessions this weekend will also get the chance to use the microscopes, handle beasties and hear fascinating facts about them.
The team at the University of Aberdeen Natural History Centre has organised and delivered Insect Inspectors. Marie Fish, Education Officer at the Centre said: "These sessions are a great way of finding out more about insects that play such an important part in our world.
"I am delighted by the reaction we have had so far from theschool children who have attended our very successful week day sessions. Youngsters have shown real interest and aptitude in understanding science and we are expecting the same from our visitors this weekend!
"Sessions like Insect Inspectors are great for getting children interested in science. They also help them understand important issues, such as biodiversity and the importance of research which is carried out into diseases by universities such as ours."
Insect Inspectors takes place at the Aberdeen Beach Leisure Centre between 9.30am and 4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Places can be booked in advance on 01224 274188 or 274798 or visitors can just turn up on the days.
For more information about Techfest In September – the festival of science, technology, engineering and mathematics - please see http://www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk/