Sparking Curiosity, Changing Perceptions: Insects Limited at JA JobSpark
When thousands of eighth grade students poured into this year’s JA JobSpark, they were met with hundreds of career paths to explore. At the Insects Limited booth, the buzz was unmistakable. From peering at insect specimens under microscopes to holding live cockroaches, students experienced firsthand that insects are more than just pests – they are gateways to curiosity, science, and even future careers.
By creating these moments of exposure, we not only captured attention but also continued the work of reshaping perceptions – an effort that has been at the heart of past article reflections on how education reduces fear and how knowledge changes the way we see insects.
On the Ground at JobSpark
The event’s energy was infectious – with thousands of students rotating through the exhibits, eager to explore career paths and ask questions. The Insects Limited team brought the fascinating world of stored product protection to life. The booth featured microscopes, examples of infested goods, insect displays, and live cockroaches that captured students’ attention and sparked conversation.
“Our goal wasn’t just to show insects,” said Sam, who lead the IL exhibit. “It was to change how students
see them. When you understand something, you’re less afraid of it –and more open to learning about it.”
The philosophy has long been part of Insects Limited’s outreach and educational work: helping people move from fear to fascination through exposure and engagement.
On the Ground at JobSpark
This event ties directly into themes explored in previous Insects Limited articles – like How Education and Exposure Reduce Fear of Insects and When Perception Becomes the Pest. Both emphasize how meaningful encounters can reshape the way people think about insects.
JA JobSpark offered that opportunity in real time. Students who began the day squeamish about bugs left with a new appreciation for their importance in food safety, agriculture, research, and environmental health. Changing perceptions today builds tomorrow’s entomologists, pest management professionals, and scientists – or simply more informed individuals who understand the value of insects in our ecosystem.
The Impact of Outreach
For Insects Limited, outreach events like JobSpark go beyond community engagement – they reinforce the company’s purpose.
By connecting directly with students, the team:
Inspires future scientists through hands-on learning
Builds awareness of Insects Limited’s unique role in pest management and research
Supports STEM education by showing that science careers can take many forms
Events like JA JobSpark remind us that education doesn’t just happen in classrooms – it happens in moments of curiosity, surprise, and even a little discomfort. By giving students the chance to see insects up close, ask questions, and challenge their own perceptions, we are planting seeds for future scientists, problem-solvers, and informed citizens.
At Insects Limited, we believe that every interaction matters. Whether it sparks a new career interest or simply reduces fear, these small shifts in perception shape how the next generation will engage with the world of insects – and that’s a future worth investing in.
Join the Conversation
What first sparked your curiosity about insects or science? Share your story with us — we’d love to hear how your interest took root.
