A one-week workshop, designed to educate elementary teachers about science through the use of manduca sexta caterpillars, brought the sixth annual "Caterpillar Olympics" to the UA.

Michael A.. Wells, professor of biochemistry, said the workshop, which started in 1991, attracts kindergarten through third-grade teachers from all over the city.

He said that during the one-week workshop, all participants are given a manduca sexta caterpillar, for which they are responsible.

The participants measure how much the caterpillars grow, and the entire life cycle is observed, Wells said.

"These caterpillars are used because they grow fast and are easy to work with, especially for kids," Wells said.

Lillian Snyder, a kindergarten teacher at Pueblo Gardens Elementary, 2210 E. 33rd St., said this was her first time in the workshop.

"I have used animals and insects since I have been teaching, and children love them," Snyder said. "It's a great motivator, and I think people need to make science a natural part of everyday life."

Last Friday marked the last day of the workshop - ending with the "Caterpillar Olympics."

The caterpillars competed in two events in the Chemistry and Biological Sciences Building.

In the first event, the caterpillars were placed on a round game board to see who could reach the middle, cross the finish line first, and stay in his own lane.

The second event was a test of strength and skill. Each caterpillar had to climb a piece of string firmly held by each student.

First, second, and third places received prizes, which were bags of plastic insects.

Michael E. Freeman, second grade teacher of gifted students at John E. White Elementary, 2315 W. Canada St., said not many teachers at his school teach science.

"Everything learned here can be used in the classroom," Freeman said, "The manuals are provided in English and Spanish on how to take care of the caterpillars."

Patricia Weaver, a third and fourth grade teacher at Pueblo Gardens Elementary, has helped to facilitate the workshop for three years, but has participated for four years.

"It's a wonderful project for teaching measurement, weight, length and time," Weaver said. "The children get attached to the caterpillars, and the experience is nurturing for them."

The program costs $30 per student, and grants help provide the materials, Wells said.

The workshop is supported by the Undergraduate Biology Research Program.