1998 WWLPT Biology Institute:  Motion

Analysis of Grooming Behavior in Drosophila melanogaster.

 A Model for an Inquiry Based Laboratory Experience

 
    Sketch by Cynthia Miyada 
  by  Bob Birch 
       Jackie Foster 
       Sue Ford 
       Steve Hammack
 
 Click here for the National Science Education Standards addressed by this exercise

Summary/Abstract

This lab uses an exercise in animal behavior to model a step by step procedure for engaging students in an open ended inquiry based laboratory experience.  Grooming behavior in Drosophila fruit flies is used as the example.  However, the principles and tools used in these experiments can be adapted to a wide range of organisms (including humans) and experimental questions.  Teachers are encouraged to use this material to design their own open ended inquiry experiences for their students.

Key Words:  Animal Behavior, Drosophila, Genetics, Statistics, Grooming, Inquiry, NSES

Table of Contents

Summary/Abstract
Instructor's Objectives
Target Age or Ability Group Audience
Teacher Instructions/Special Precautions

The following section of the Table of Contents is divided into two parallel columns.  On the left is a general model of the Inquiry Process which should be useful for any experiments in animal behavior.  The right hand column outlines the specific example used by the authors to study grooming behavior in Drosophila melanogaster.                  
 
The Inquiry Process: The Model The Inquiry Process:  The Example
Overview:  The Problem & Background Overview:  Animal Behavior
Step One:  Ask a Simple Question Step One:  How do Drosophila Groom? 
Step Two:  Collect Base Line Information Step Two:  Build An Ethogram (Includes Video Images)
Step Three:  Quantitative Analysis Step Three:  Transition Matrix & Markov Chain Analysis
Step Four:  Manipulation of Variables Step Four:  Wing Removal & Mutations
Step Five:  Extension & Reinforcement Step Five:  Beyond Grooming 
Step Six:  Evaluation/Assesment Step Six:  Putting it All Together

References and Additional Readings
National Science Education Standards

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