Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) are one of several invasive insects that can impact the alpine Haleakala ecosystem in this cooperative learning game.
Students watch a film and then use materials provided to teach their classmates about a particular ant topic.
Students read about and discuss control methods for
Argentine ants (Linepithema humile).
Students learn about the little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata), and are then are given supplies to set up ant traps at home and around the community in the hopes of attracting and collecting little fire ants. All ants that are collected are forwarded to experts for identification.
Students research red imported fire ants (RIFA) (Solenopsis invicta) and create an action response plan for Maui County to be implemented in the event that RIFA are ever detected.
The object of this game is to get to Kealia Pond as fast as possible. If the "little red fire ant" team gets there first, they win and create a colony too big to eradicate. If the humans get there first, they succeed in heading off the ant invasion before it can establish itseLF. Students learn good research techniques.
[ top ]
|
Hoike o Haleakala
The Hoike o Haleakala Maui environmental education curriculum--which contains several lesson plans and activities related to awareness, identification, control, and prevention of entry of non-native invasive ant species in Hawaii--is a multi-disciplinary, science-based environmental curriculum designed to help sustain the native Hawaiian landscape and culture by helping students establish and deepen connections to the land and the culture it supports. [ more... ]
|
Ant-related lessons and activities in the Hoike o Haleakala curriculum