Thomas Emmel, a famed butterfly researcher,  got his start when  he was 8 years old when his father made  butterfly nets for Tom and his brother.  Tom discovered a new species of butterfly in Chiapas, Mexico. He taught zoology and entomology at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He organized surveys, restoration, and reintroduction for the endangered Schaus swallowtail and the Miami blue butterflies. He helped protect the endangered hermaphroditic Stock Island  tree snails.  He also studied the effects of mosquito control pesticides on wildlife and humans. His research prevented the overuse of  pesticides that harm humans and wildlife.  (from Reed, "The Butterfly Effect",  Sept 2018)

Every year there are neat butterfly count walks.  They seem to be on or near July 4th.  Here in Boulder , people of all ages are welcome from children to grandparents.  We spend a few hours chasing, photographing, netting, identifying and releasing butterflies.  

xerces.org/2016/04/21/citizen-science-is-a-wonderful-thing

They can learn about nature and contribute to our knowledge. 

 loupes, magnifiers, bug viewers

www.carolina.com/microscopes-and-optics/magnifiers/pocket-magnifiers/10671.ct

www.carolina.com/butterfly-nets-and-models/net-butterfly-and-grasshopper/651348.pr

www.nature-watch.com/optics-lab-field-aids-c-160_177.html

https://www.nature-watch.com/butterflies-c-160_164.html