Entomological Research in the Classroom: The Dispersal of Biological Control Agents

Abstract

Biological experiments involving animals in K-12 classrooms can be time consuming or logistically difficult. Insects are small and easy to obtain, making them suitable for classroom use. We provide an experiment using insects that will teach students how to use the scientific method to formulate and test a hypothesis. The experiment is based on a case study involving an insect used as a biological control agent that targets an invasive weed, and the rigor of the experiment can easily be tailored to different grade levels. Using ∼1 m 2 arenas set up in the classroom, students measure insect jumping or walking distances as a proxy for dispersal capabilities in the field, and more advanced classes can investigate variables that affect jumping or walking distance and direction.