Ramstein Students Get Hands-On with Entomology
RAMSTEIN, Germany — More than 400 students at Ramstein Elementary School recently received a hands-on science lesson as volunteers from Public Health Command Europe introduced young learners to the fascinating world of insects and their role in protecting public health.
Over the course of one week, entomologist Capt. Jordan Cornell and Preventive Medicine Sgt. Devin Gay spent Monday and Wednesday mornings visiting first- and second-grade classrooms. Through interactive discussions and real-life examples, the team explained what defines an insect, how insects contribute to the environment, and why understanding them is important to public health and safety.
For many students, the highlight of the visit came when the team brought live cockroaches into the classroom. Students had the opportunity to observe and, if they chose, gently interact with the insects. The experience sparked curiosity, excitement, and a wave of thoughtful questions.
“The kids truly enjoyed it,” Cornell said. “I’m always amazed by the questions children ask. They’re curious, engaged, and genuinely excited to learn. Seeing that enthusiasm, especially when they discover they share a passion for bugs, is incredibly rewarding.”
The visit also gave students the opportunity to meet a subject matter expert working within military public health. Cornell explained how entomology supports the prevention of insect-borne illnesses and helps safeguard military communities around the world.
Teachers at Ramstein Elementary welcomed the opportunity to connect classroom science lessons with real-world applications. Beatrice Whitely, a teacher at the school, said students and staff eagerly anticipated the visit.
“We were all very much looking forward to this experience,” Whitely said. “Students were able to relate to Capt. Cornell’s presentation about insects and the types of life cycles because they have studied life science as part of the curriculum.”
Students shared their enthusiasm following the presentation. Olivia, a second-grade student, said the hands-on experience helped bring science to life.
“It was so cool to learn about bugs,” Olivia said. “The cockroaches were huge and kind of creepy, but I hope they come back soon.”
The entomology team volunteered their time to reach more than 400 students during the week, reinforcing classroom instruction while expanding student understanding through direct engagement with science professionals.
Looking ahead, Cornell is working to establish a long-term volunteer partnership between Public Health Command Europe and Ramstein Elementary School. The goal is to eventually provide students an opportunity to visit the laboratory and entomology department, allowing them to observe how insects are studied and how that work directly supports the health and readiness of the military community.
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This initiative supports the Department of War Education Activity’s Blueprint for Continuous Improvement by advancing Strategic Goal 1: Student Excellence, and Strategic Initiative 1.3, which emphasizes real-world learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to career exploration and applied scientific understanding.
