For regional students, travelling into Launceston can be an expense and hassle for schools.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Which is why the second annual George Town Bigger Science Expo gives schools the opportunity to eat crawly critters as well as learn about marine life in the Tamar River and other sciences in their own patch.
Scientific communicator and entomologist Shasta Claire Henry was busy deep frying meal worms and crickets in front of a fascinated crowd of students.
Fed on farm waste and harvested for human consumption, Ms Henry said eating insects had compelling reasons, including their high nutritional value and a positive protein-to-fat ratio.
“They are also carbon neutral. If you compare 100g of insect meat with 100g of beef, insect meat is 10 times more energy efficient.”
And when deep-fried and seasoned with lemon and salt, crickets and meal worms taste like chips, she said.
The George Town Council, Bell Bay Aluminium, the George Town Community Hub and the Peter Underwood Centre co-presented the Expo, which featured hands-on science activities designed to inspire and engage students to broaden their horizons.