objectives

Instructor's Objectives

Animal behavior represents an ideal topic for student inquiry. Students can be presented with questions and experiments which are either highly directed by the teacher or very open ended. The authors have used grooming behavior of the fruit fly Drosophila, but this exercise is adaptable to many different species and behaviors. The important issue here is not the specific animal or behavior studied, but rather its use as an example of an inquiry based experience. An experience which gives students more input into the direction of the work, capitalizes on their prior knowledge, forces them to make decisions about experimental design and analysis, and challenges them to interpret data without depending on preconceived notions of what the “right” answer should be.

This lesson has the following objectives.

Introduce students to the importance of careful observation in any type of experiment.
Introduce students to the basic tools of experimental studies (observation, statistical analysis, manipulation of variables).
To provide students with an appreciation of the use methods used in the study of animal behavior.
To provide students with a learning experience which will satisfy a number of the objectives of the National Science Education Standards.

Table of Contents

Target Audience or Age Group

This lab exercise is intended for high school biology students. It can be used and adapted for students of any level. Step 3 contains a good deal of statistics and numerical analysis which may not be appropriate for all levels.

Notes to the Teacher

Required of students: An inquiring mind.
Preparation time needed: This will vary with the species and questions selected by the teacher and students. In the case of Drosophila, taking care of cultures over a long period time requires careful preplanning, preparation of culture medium, and suitable storage areas. This is not necessary for this exercise, but maybe useful if the flies are also being used in long term genetic studies. The basic preparation includes ordering and maintaining the flies and assembling the materials.
Class time needed: Flexible. This document separates the exercise into several steps. The teacher can decide what time commitment is appropriate for her students. A minimum of one double period lab (90 minutes) will be required. Several lab periods could be used; time and inclination permitting. Depending on the facilities in each school, many of the observations can be done during the students' "unscheduled time" or after school.
Hazards: This will depend entirely on the species, methods, and equipment used by the teacher and students. In the case of Drosophila, if ether is used (not recommended unless a chemical hood is available), its toxic, flammable and explosive properties should be emphasized to students.