TRYING a ‘healthy nutritional’ alternative diet of creepy crawlies like locusts, crickets and meal worms was a real learning experience for pupils investigating the diversity of Planet Earth.

Year 7 and 8 pupils at The Dean Academy in Lydney were taking part in British Science Week by attending fun and educational lunchtime activities in their school science department.

This year, the theme for the event was ‘Our Diverse Planet’ which gave youngsters the opportunity to experiment with fingerprints, camouflage techniques and building hovercrafts.

They also learnt about the use of insects as an option for food in the future, and some were brave enough to sample some of the meal worms, locusts and crickets that were offered as healthy, nutritional snacks.

Darren Webb, Assistant Director of Science at the school, who organised the week’s events said: “The activities encouraged our students to think about everyday discoveries and how they affect their lives by exploring science in the world around them.”

Year 7 student Alysha Minchington attended all the sessions and especially enjoyed tasting the food of the future.

“I have found the activities this week really inspiring,” she said.

“It’s a good way for people to learn about what’s going to happen in the future and right now.

Students were also invited to enter a British Science Week poster competition that celebrated ‘Our Diverse Planet’.