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Participants
accompanied etymologist Nathan Erwin on a tour of the Insect Zoo,
reopened in 1993 after substantial renovation. Mr. Erwin, Manager of the
Insect Zoo, presented the goals of the refurbished exhibit, namely to
explore the diversity of insects, their critical role in preservation of
terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and the related research conducted by
Smithsonian scientists behind the scenes.
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participants learned how the exhibit reflects a conscious attempt to reach
visitors with different learning styles, including layered text, videos, interactives, and volunteer interpreters, the latter providing visitors
with hands-on experiences. Mr. Erwin also pointed out that all components
in this exhibit include displays and cases no more than three feet off the
ground, to ensure accessibility to children as well as visitors in
wheelchairs. START participants explored behind-the-scenes technology
supporting the various displays, admired the cut-away ant nest and bee
hive, and met Cleopatra, star of the Insect Zoo's ever-popular live
tarantula feeding, at almost 30 years of age the undisputed diva of the
show.
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Tours 
