Discovering the Tiny World: Highlights from Our Invertebrates Workshop

Participants at Climate Transformations Tuesday Gathering 'Under the Lens: A Closer Look at Insect' with Artist Wendy Zhang and the Tropical Ecology and Entomology Lab, NTU ASE, Climate Transformation: Sustainable Societies Series, Climate Transformation Programme. Photo 2025, NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore. 

On a vibrant evening filled with curiosity and creativity, the Tropical Ecology and Entomology (TEE Lab) teamed up with artist and insect conservation educator Wendy Zhang to host a public workshop on the fascinating world of invertebrates at the NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore. This workshop is part of the Climate Transformation: Sustainable Societies Series, which is an extension of the previous Climate Transformation: Sustainable Societies lecture ‘Invisible Engineers: Insects’ Role in Singapore’s ‘City in Nature’.

The evening was filled with fun, learning, and hands-on experiences, where we invited participants of all ages to observe closely with microscopes, hand lenses, and live specimens at hand. They explored what makes insects so unique, from their segmented bodies and jointed legs to the incredible variety of forms and life stages.

Top left: "Mini game" in action - matching insect life stages through observation. Photo 2025, NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore. Top right: Participants examining specimens with the microscope. Photo 2025, NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore. Bottom left: Ms. Wendy Zhang introduced the first group activity to kick off the workshop. Photo 2025, NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore. Bottom right: Dr. Chiew Li Yuen from TEE Lab delivered a lively introduction to invertebrates. Photo 2025, Zann Teo.

We kicked off the workshop by getting the participants to discover what defines an insect, and to learn how insects differ from other invertebrates and arthropods. Through a mini game, participants were each given an image of an insect at either the young or adult stage, and were challenged to find their matching partner. This was a fun and interactive way to learn about the life cycle of different insects, and the difference between complete and incomplete metamorphosis.

Top left: A close-up look at live isopods. Top right, bottom left & right: Engaging discussions at the insect station, spotting differences, and asking questions. Photos 2025, NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore. 

In addition, the participants explored the morphology of insects and invertebrates through drawings, and close-up views under microscope or hand lens during an engaging BINGO session. This encouraged everyone to search and recognize different invertebrates traits that they might have not paid attention to.

Top left: A young participant using a hand lens to examine butterfly specimens. A curious mind at work! Photo 2025, Chiew Li Yuen; Top right: A participant sketching the details of insect specimens during BINGO station game. Photo 2025, Chiew Li Yuen; Bottom left and right: Some boxes of insect collection from TEE Lab for participants to examine and draw. Photo 2025, NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore. 

The workshop ended with a reflection session where participants shared their favorite discoveries. Many were surprised at how beautiful and important insects are, not just as tiny creatures, but as key players in our ecosystems.

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