TL/DR –
Fifth graders at Aberdeen Academy in Grand Rapids, Michigan, have initiated a campaign to make the stonefly the state’s official insect. The students each wrote a five-paragraph essay to Rep. Rachel Hood, describing the stonefly and its connection to other state symbols, and later presented their proposal to the Grand Rapids Public Schools board. Impressed by their research, Rep. Hood introduced HB 5563 in the state house in mid-March, proposing that the stonefly be designated as the official insect of Michigan.
Michigan Fifth Graders Campaign for State Insect
A fifth-grade class at the Grand Rapids Public Schools in Michigan has launched a letter-writing initiative to make the stonefly the state insect. Noting the stonefly’s vital role as an indicator of creek and stream health, they see it as an important symbol of Michigan’s natural environment.
Eighteen students from Mrs. Emma Witkovsky’s class at Aberdeen Academy each wrote a five-paragraph essay to Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids), explaining the relevance of the stonefly and its connection to other state symbols like the brook trout through the food chain.
These students not only wrote to a state representative, they also went on a field trip to Honey Creek at Seidman Park where they sampled the stream for stoneflies and other aquatic insects. This hands-on experience allowed the students to learn about the stonefly’s habitat and the importance of clean, fast-flowing water for its survival.
Their efforts were not in vain. Impressed by their research and dedication, Rep. Hood introduced HB 5563 in the state house in mid-March, proposing the stonefly (Pteronarcys sp.) to be designated as the official insect of Michigan. While the bill is currently in the Committee on Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation, it is yet to move out of the committee.
However, irrespective of the bill’s future, Mrs. Witkovsky is proud of her students, acknowledging that this nearly year-long project has taught her students to appreciate science and its creepy-crawly subjects.
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