PROGRAMMES | LUMEN
19 obtained from around the school . “
Furthermore , we are collaborating with Singapore Ants to raise awareness on ant keeping in Singapore . Ant colonies are rather cheap to start and maintain and have low commitment as ants can be released into the wild should one lose interest . As such , ant keeping can be a good start for children who are inspiring pet owners . They can learn responsibility and commitment as they watch their ant colonies grow . This is also an educational hobby , as one will learn about the part that ants and many other insects have to play in the ecosystem .
As a first step , we have reached out to the secondary school section in SJI to teach them about ant keeping . In fact , they have started their own sub-group within our club where they keep their own pet ants . This is a result of the work of Nyi Nyi , who showed his leadership skills and played a key role in the secondary school section of the club , organising a schedule for feeding and maintenance of their ant colonies . When asked about his experiences , he humbly mentions : " It is really not easy doing this , as it takes everyone ' s hard work so I really appreciate the help !”
Besides activities in school , our Entomology
“... ant keeping can be a good start for children who are inspiring pet owners . They can learn responsibility and commitment as they watch their ant colonies grow .
club has also organised service projects for organisations such as the Singapore Science Center . We are collaborating with the Science Center to create an infographic on the different ant species present in their Ecogarden , providing a more wholesome educational experience for visitors . Additionally , we have visited preschools to teach the children about ants through interactive presentations and games , bring small ant colonies in test tubes to allow them to get a hands on learning experience .
Overall , SJI ’ s the Entomology Club , as the first such club for secondary and tertiary students in Singapore , hopes to bring glory to SJI as the pioneers in this slowly growing ant keeping
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Facing page ( top ): Maruader Ants ( C . diversa ) Supermajor next pictured next to her smaller sisters
Facing page ( bottom ): C . diversa Major giving her sisters a piggyback ride
This page ( top left ): Educational service project at preschool
This page ( top right ): Ant set-ups created and maintained by the Entomology Club
This page ( centre left ): Formicarium ( ant house ) built by our members
This page ( centre right ): Ant set-up contributed by Nyi Nyi and the Secondary students
This page ( bottom right ): Founding colony of Carpenter Ants ( Camponotus . sp ) housed in a test tube