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Activity 4: A pest of a problem

The purpose of this activity is to give students the opportunity to

  • design, test and compare
  • search the Net for information

Length and implementation of activity

Part 1 involves discussing methods of pest control with the class and then reading information and answering questions about pest management from the Couran Cove web site. This could take approximately 40 to 50 minutes. The session could be extended by getting students to search the Net for ideas/designs for insect traps. This could include a search for information about the anatomy and physiology of their chosen insect pest, information which students could use in designing their traps.

Part 2 involves constructing an ecologically sustainable insect trap. A total time of two weeks could be allowed for data collection. Students could work in pairs or on their own.

Helpful hints: If students are not already familiar with concepts such as 'biological control', 'chemical resistance' and 'biological magnification', these could be introduced during the class discussion of methods of pest control. In this case, more class time will be required.

Worksheets are provided for Part 1 to be used by students to guide them in recording their answers (these are probably best printed out ahead of time) or students can simply record answers in their notebooks. Students could prepare question one for homework.

Teachers Notes

Student Notes

Part 1

Part 2

Worksheets are provided for

Part 1

Safety

Students should be advised of hygiene issues (and the possible need
to wear gloves and wash hands) and the possible dangers of insect pests.

Queensland core learning outcomes for Science:
Science and Society 6.2 and 6.3:

  • Students design and perform controlled investigations to produce believable results.
  • Students use scientific concepts to evaluate the costs and benefits of applications of science (including agricultural and industrial practices).

References

Clarke, Ron. Never Say Never: Couran Cove Resort from dream to reality. The
Couran Cove Resort Environmental Research Trust. 1999.

Web sites

www.couran-cove.com.au/html/newsinfo_frame.html
www.altavista.com, www.google.com (or another useful search engine)
     
   
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Disclaimer. Copyright The State of Queensland (Department of Education) 2000