COSMOS Briefing: Eating bugs

Is insect protein the way to a sustainable future?

Entomologist and food scientist Skye Blackburn tells us why we should consider adding insects to our diet. This video resource will support learning connected with food sustainability, food security and the environment, including Year 7 and 9 Biological Sciences topics, STEM in Action/Science as a Human Endeavour and the Sustainability cross-curricular priority.

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Have you ever thought about eating insects? Did you know that crickets, mealworms and ants are currently available to buy as food products in Australia?

It may sound a bit distasteful, but some experts think that increasing consumption of insect protein could be pretty good for our health and for the planet.

Entomologist and food scientist Skye Blackburn tells us why we should consider adding insects to our diet.

This video and article are best suited to Year 7 and 9 Biology students who are learning about food sustainability, food security and the environment.

Word Count / Video Length:  346 / 11:02 mins

It may sound a bit distasteful, but some experts think that increasing consumption of insect protein could be pretty good for our health and for the planet.

Cosmos spoke to Skye Blackburn, an entomologist and food scientist based in Sydney. Through her business Circle Harvest (formerly known as the Edible Bug Shop), Skye is looking to bring eating insects into the Australian mainstream.

Watch the interview to learn which bugs taste best (and worst), how they’re cared for, and how eating insects could help food security and the environment.

The session was hosted by the Royal Institution of Australia’s science journalist, Matilda Handsley-Davis

This briefing was created for Cosmos. Watch more briefings here.

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Years: 7 and 9

Topics:

Biological Sciences: Ecosystems

Additional: Careers, Technology.

Concepts (South Australia):

Biological Sciences: Interdependence and Ecosystems

Years:

7 & 9