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Atta Ant Home Page
Data
Classroom Applications Rubric
Charts: environmental measurments
habitat-worker frequency hitchhikers vs workers worker
vs time of day
Inquiry method of field study for use in the classroom:
Purpose: To
increase awareness of ants’ role in the environment.
Materials:
Tweezers
Ziplock bags
Colored Markers
Stop watch
Counter
Thermometer
Sling psychrometer & conversion chart for humidity
Flag Markers
Clip board & paper
Canopy cover transparency
Map of Local Area
Methodology:
Instructor will lead students to a pre-selected area with ant colonies of a local
species.
Students will then choose a point for measurement along ant trail going into the colony
opening.
Students will then count and collect data for 15 minutes.
Students will determine frequency of worker ants for 1 minute out of every 5 as they
cross the predetermined point into colony.
Students will take environmental data including air temperature, soil temperature,
canopy cover, and % humidity.
Students will make and collect general observations of colony especially what role the
ants play in the environment.
Students will discus observations and generate questions based on what was seen in the
field.
Students will develop a testable hypothesis.
Students will develop an experimental methodology in order to test their hypothesis.
Students will carry out the experiment and collect and record data.
Students will present and discuss their findings with the class.
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