Flies: Nature’s Hidden Helpers, a Science Literacy Project Exploring Beneficial and Pest Insects
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: A science literacy project for elementary learners exploring beneficial and pest insects with a focus on flies, nature's hidden helpers. This project demonstrates that science literacy can be cultivated through experiential and interdisciplinary teaching. Future developments could include digital tools for compost monitoring, citizen science participation, or expanded studies of other decomposer species. Cross-curricular collaboration with language arts and art education can further strengthen the integration of creativity and evidence-based reasoning. Ultimately, this work reaffirms that even small organisms—like flies—can inspire big learning outcomes. By integrating science literacy with sustainability education, we prepare students to think critically about ecological relationships and to communicate science with confidence and purpose.
Source: Lincoln (University of Nebraska)
Author: Johnston, Natalie
Institution: University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7111725788