Ant Antics

Download This Lesson: Ant Antics

Brief Description: Students will use the Scientific Method to examine alternative pest control methods. They will test the effect of organic controls on ants versus chemicals.

Focus Areas: Pest Control Methods – Organic; Science

Focus Skills: Applying the Scientific Method to determine the effectiveness of three organic controls on ants

Level of Involvement: MAXIMUM

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of three organic controls on ant behavior

Essential Question

Which organic controls tested deter ants?

Essential Understanding

Chemical controls are not the only way to manage pests.

Background

Ants are social insects that live in colonies and display the behavioral characteristics associated with insects of this type. They communicate directly by touching various segments of their antennae together and indirectly by releasing chemicals onto the surfaces on which they walk. This effective communication is responsible for the busy ant trails easily observed in outdoor areas. Food and water are of prime importance to ants. Food is carried to nests and the diet is varied. In dry areas, ants may dig deep burrows for moisture, but too much moisture will send them scurrying about carrying their eggs to drier ground. Ants may relocate several times a year to maintain an acceptable environment. Inadequate food or water, as well as excess water,may cause ant infestations of buildings and therefore require control measures.

Ants are not always pests. They can be predators of other insects, which is a beneficial trait. Ants are considered pests when they invade buildings, for example, such as carpenter ants that build nests out of wooden structures or other ant species that feed on food residues in kitchens. Ants are not considered pests if they make a few anthills in the backyard, however, and can be left alone if they are not causing damage. Read the fact sheet on pavement ants.

Vocabulary

exoskeleton – hard outer skeletal material that protects an insect’s soft body parts and provides support

insecticide – a chemical used to repel or reduce insect populations

organic control – a natural substance, as compared to a synthetic chemical

segmented – divided into parts

social insects – insects that live in groups and cooperate in almost every aspect of their lives

Challenge:  Discover an organic substance that repels ants

Logistics

Time: 45 minutes plus time to collect ants (See Preparations)

Group size: up to 25

Space: room with desks, tables or counters

Materials

• glass jars – three per group and one for control
• ants – five to seven per jar
• soil
• cheese cloth
• rubber bands
• magnifying glasses
• bread crumbs or cereal flakes
• lemon juice
• white vinegar
• cayenne pepper
• safety goggles
• gloves
• Worksheets 1A and 1B, “Lab Reports” *
• Worksheet 2 “Bio Sketch Form” *
• Fact Sheet Pavement Ant *
• Article “Beneficial Creatures” *
• Assessment for a Lab Report *
• Assessment for an Expository Piece *

* single copy provided

Preparation

1. Prepare copies of Worksheets 1A and 1B, one per participant.
2. Prepare observation jars; 3 treatments and 1 control per group.
3. Fill jars 1/4 full with soil; cover with cheesecloth held taut with a rubber band.
4. Collect ants and bring them to the activity for use by the group.

To collect ants: locate an ant colony. Gently dig up the earth around the colony and allow several ants to crawl into each uncapped jar. Cap jars. Note location for ant release after the experiment. A nature guide can be used to identify the ants collected.

More Resources: 

http://askabiologist.asu.edu/how/building-ant-farm

ELA = English Language Arts,   HE/PE = Health Education and Physical Education,    MA = Mathematics,    SCI = Science,   SS = Social Studies,   VPA = Visual and Performing Arts

** Alignment possible only if lesson extension is done