1.37 Ants, Ants, Ants
This is Lesson 1.37 (“Ants, Ants, Ants”) from the Grow Your PALS Program Guide, part of the National FFA Mentoring Program’s Environmental Science unit. In this large-group lesson, students build a jar ant farm, observe and record ant behavior and tunnel-building in story books, and discuss the “life cycle” and social roles of ants (queen and worker). It includes an interest approach with a song, hands-on activity, a red-light/green-light review game, application suggestions, and a “Chef Ant” drawing assessment.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
-
- Build an ant farm.
- Record data on ant behavior.
- Discuss the "life cycle" and social behavior of ants.
- Time required
- Instruction time for this lesson: 45 minutes.
- Materials
-
- Glass jar with lid
- Knife or something to put small holes in jars lid
- Small piece of screen
- Paper towel/or wrapping paper roll
- Gloves
- Funnel
- Dark piece of construction paper
- Very small pieces of food (so food won't spoil) – ripe fruit, seeds, breadcrumbs dipped in honey or other small foods
- Cotton ball soaked in water
- Pre-made ant booklets, cover and three pages inside – one per student
- Crayons
- PALS1.37.LG.ASSESS.A – one per student
- Unit
- Environmental Science
- Precepts
- D. Character — D3. Accept responsibility for personal actions.
- Lesson Type
- Large Group
- Key Terms
- Queen; Worker
- Resources
- www.lala.com – search for "Ants Go Marching" songs – may have to purchase mp3 file or other suitable song search engine and retail point. National FFA Organization. (2003). LifeKnowledge Precepts and Signs of Success
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
National Standards
- CS.08.02.01.aUse the appropriate procedures for the use and operation of specific tools and equipment.
- NL-ENG.K-12.12Applying Language Skills
- NS.K-4.3Life Science
- PS.03.03.02.bDiagram the life cycles of major plant pests and diseases.