Meet Drosie
A tiny fly with a big story
Observe small living things, ask questions, and begin a class Wonder Wall.
Meet Drosie, the tiny fruit fly with a big world to explore. Discover how scientists learn from the smallest creatures through stories, hands-on activities, and a whole lot of curiosity.

Science can begin right in your kitchen! Let's explore the places where tiny fruit flies might be hiding.
Choose a place to discover something new!
Every place is a chance to make a discovery!
Why do you think fruit flies are attracted to some places more than others?
What can a fruit fly teach us about the world? Quite a lot, actually! Follow Drosie through her life cycle, meet the scientists who study her, and discover the big questions behind tiny creatures.
Join Drosie on a wonderful adventure into the tiny world of fruit flies! Read the illustrated storybook online and turn the pages just like a real book.
Site preview uses an original placeholder mascot, not the final book cover. When your PDF is ready, follow README instructions to enable its download.
Story-based science experiences for curious children, families, and classrooms. Every lesson comes with a free printable activity and a short facilitator guide.
A tiny fly with a big story
Observe small living things, ask questions, and begin a class Wonder Wall.
Life cycle & adult anatomy
Sequence egg, larva, pupa, and adult; identify head, thorax, abdomen, wings, legs, and antennae.
Discovering traits and variation
Compare sex-associated appearance, red and white eyes, and straight and curly wings.
Tools of discovery
Explore how stereomicroscopes, pipettes, Petri dishes, vials, timers, and notebooks help scientists.
Meet Dr. Maya
Explore who scientists are, what they do, and how they use task-appropriate PPE and safe practices.
Thinking and working like a scientist
Make predictions, observe an adult-led climbing assay or video, record trials, and interpret a graph.
Why scientists study fruit flies
Discover why fruit flies are valuable for research on genes, development, movement, and aging.
No matching lessons. Try “traits,” “tools,” or “science.”
Draw a scientist. Investigate tiny body parts. Graph a climbing experiment. Our printable worksheets turn storytime into hands-on discovery.
“You don't have to be big to make a big discovery.”
✳Drosie was inspired by a simple question from a child: “What do you do in your lab?”
Created by Shahira Helal Arzoo, a biology doctoral researcher and science outreach educator, Drosie brings the fascinating world of fruit flies into the hands of young readers. The project combines storytelling, real biology, and playful learning to help more children imagine themselves as scientists.
Whether you're a parent, teacher, museum educator, or simply a curious explorer, you're welcome here.
Discover the lessons ↗Can you predict how many fruit flies will climb?
Play the Climbing Game ↗See how many visits Drosie's World has received!