Join BugQuest
A FREE science adventure at school
Bring hands‑on biodiversity research into your classroom and school grounds.
EcoSchools Canada is excited to partner with BugQuest and the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics at the University of Guelph to bring fun, hands-on biodiversity science to schools across the country!
With BugQuest, students head outside to explore the insects living right on their school grounds. The samples students collect become part of a real national research project, helping scientists understand how Canada’s ecosystems are changing using DNA barcoding.
How it works:
Register your school by June 30, 2026.
Receive your BugQuest kit. Each school gets a Malaise sampling kit valued at $1,000.
Set up your malaise trap. Set up the insect trap on your school grounds to discover which insects live in your area. Sampling periods will take place in Fall 2026 and Spring 2027, with the option to continue in Fall or Summer 2027 if the trap can be maintained.
Send samples to the University of Guelph. All shipping and DNA analysis costs are covered.
Receive a biodiversity report after each sampling period, including species lists, images, and comparisons across Canada.
Earn EcoSchools Points!
Participating in BugQuest is a fantastic way to earn points for your EcoSchools Certification Application (ECA)!
This project aligns perfectly with our Community Science action card so all participating schools can earn points for taking part.
Ready to join the quest?
Learn more and register your interest at the official BugQuest website.
Created with support from BugQuest
