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Our Biologist

Anne-Marie Dulude, biologist

Anne-Marie Dulude Master of Science in Biology
Responsible for designing
and creating content
for exhibits at the Biophare

Teacher's Toolkit

Biologist's Blog

Spring is here at last!

April 30, 2013

Every spring for the past 11 years, the Biophare has welcomed hundreds of students between the ages of 10 and 12 to its museum, introducing them to the stunning biodiversity of the Lake Saint-Pierre biosphere reserve. In addition to visiting the permanent exhibit, children have a chance to participate in a science workshop. Through an observation-based game, they learn a wealth of knowledge on the flora and fauna of marshes and swamps. This year, students are focusing on the fascinating world of insects. The workshop leader is a beekeeper, so these essential pollinators are covered in detail. The presenter talks about the important role insects play in pollinating various crops, and discuss the threats insects face. The use of pesticides in modern agriculture is a grave danger to the continued survival of bees and many other insect species. The students are encouraged to reflect on practices that should be adopted to help the environment. We work with them to try to imagine solutions that will protect biodiversity.

The tour of the Biophare ends with an artistic workshop, where the children create paintings of fantastic insects. Every year, these paintings are exhibited in Regard-sur-le-Fleuve park throughout the summer. Visitors to the park will be able to appreciate the imaginative paintings created by these students.

These fun and educational activities help children understand and respect the habitats of the Lake Saint-Pierre region. Children who are aware of the richness and fragility of the natural environment around them are much more likely to grow up to be environmentally conscious adults.

At the Biophare, spring is when the land wakes from the long winter; it's also a time to spark environmental awareness in local youth.

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Questions and answers on this topic

from: Benoît Guimond

Q. What comments did the children express concerning the workshop? What elements seem to have made the greatest impression? What solutions did students suggest for various environmental problems? How many paintings were created?

R. The children were delighted with their experience. They were fascinated by the wide variety of insects shapes and colours. During the worshops, the students seemed to be concerned about environmental damage caused by human activities. I think that in the future, young people will be more environmentally aware. For example, they will likely try to avoid wasting water. Nearly 800 paintings will be displayed all summer in the park. It will be a spectacular exhibition!

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