Podcast: Play in new window
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More
In this episode of The Children’s Hour, we dive into the amazing world of bugs! Entomologist Jason Schaller from Albuquerque Biopark’s Bugarium joins us to teach us all about these fascinating creatures. We learn why bugs are so important to our planet and even how some of them can be a part of our diets! From bug biology to tasty cricket tacos, this episode will leave you buzzing with excitement.
Jason Schaller is the Curator of Entomology at the ABQBioPark and Bugarium. We learn what his role is at the Zoo, and how he became interested in bugs. At the same time, he showed up to our recording session with a gigantic beetle on his shirt! Our Kids Crew had mixed feelings about this! Thorfin, like many people, is afraid of insects, while Amadeus loves bugs.
Bugs might be small, but they play huge roles in our world. From pollinating plants to breaking down waste, insects are a vital part of life on Earth. Jason Schaller shares his expert knowledge about why bugs are helpful, and even how they help humans in ways we may not expect.
Did you know there are over a million different types of insects? In this episode, we explore the diversity of the bug world—from butterflies to beetles to tarantulas! Insects come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and they live in almost every habitat on Earth. Whether you love them or fear them, these creatures are incredibly diverse and essential for a healthy planet.
In many parts of the world, bugs are a regular part of the menu. Jason Schaller introduces us to the idea of eating insects and how nutritious they can be. One of the most popular edible bugs is the cricket, which is rich in protein. Curious about trying bugs for yourself? You can make your own cricket tacos at home! Check out this simple recipe for cricket tacos and give it a try!
Cricket Tacos Recipe
Makes 12 tacos
Ingredients:
- 1 cup roasted crickets (you can purchase these from specialty food stores or online)
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup salsa of your choice
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Prepare the crickets: If using pre-roasted crickets, you can go straight to step 2. If you have dried crickets, lightly toss them in olive oil, chili powder, and salt. Roast them at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until crispy.
2. Warm the tortillas: In a dry skillet over medium heat, warm the tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until soft.
3. Assemble the tacos: Place a spoonful of roasted crickets onto each tortilla. Top with diced onions, cilantro, and jalapeños if you like a little spice.
4. Add flavor: Drizzle some salsa on top, then squeeze a wedge of lime over each taco for added flavor.
5. Serve: Enjoy your cricket tacos as a unique, crunchy, and protein-packed treat!
This episode of The Children’s Hour is produced by Katie Stone and The Children’s Hour Inc. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to producing high-quality kids’ public radio. Production help was provided by Gus Tafoya. Chad Scheer was our engineer at Outpost Performance Space. Thaniel the Intern helps with our playlists and trancripts.
© 2024 The Children’s Hour Inc. All rights reserved. Listen to The Children’s Hour anytime at ChildrensHour.org.
Please note: not all songs we play can be found in Spotify.
Playlist: Get Bugged
| title | artist | album |
|---|---|---|
| Why Do We Bug You | William Shatner | Where Will The Animals Sleep? Songs For Kids And Other Living Things |
| Ain't No Bugs On Me | David Holt | I Got a Bullfrog |
| Ladybugs' Picnic (feat. Dom Flemons) | Gordie Crazylegs MacKeeman | Folk for Little Folk, Vol.1 |
| Don't Be Scared of Bugs | Claudia Robin Gunn | Sing for the Earth - Little Wild Animals (Instrumentals) |
| Bugs Are Your Friends | Mr. Elephant & De La Torre | I Love Nature |
| Bombardier Beetle | Key Wilde & Mr. Clarke | Animal Tales |
| Neighborhood Cowboy & My Brother Eats Bugs | Hans Mayer | See You Later Alligator |
| Lady Bug | The Terrible Twos | If You Ever See an Owl... |
| Bug in the Cuff | Caspar Babypants | Here I Am! |
| Crickets' Ball (feat. Anna Park & Autumn Park) | Elliott Park | Songs with My Daughters |
| Bug Song | Mali Matt | ECS Children's Salish Songs |
| Butterfly Zone | The Nields | Science Fair |
| Butterflies (feat. Grotch the Sasquatch & Mona the Monarch) | DJ WILLY WOW! | It's All Good in the Naturehood! (feat. Grotch the Sasquatch) |
| Tiny Mosquito | Gunnar Madsen | Old Mr. Mackle Hackle |
Thank you Sponsors
