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Little Creatures Who Run the World
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Viewing Ideas
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Before Watching
Introduce the focus of this program by asking students to name some types of
animals that have existed on Earth longer than humans. What factors do students
think have made it possible for these animals to exist for so long? Divide the
class into groups of four or five students. Challenge each group to choose one
animal group as a candidate for the title "Most Likely to Succeed the
Longest." In addition to naming the species, students should also list the
reasons for their nomination. Have groups present their nominees to the rest of the class. After the ideas
have been presented, allow time for the students to discuss the relative merits
of each candidate. As they watch, ask students to keep notes of the reasons given by Dr. Wilson
to explain the success of ants. In parti-cular, ask students to look for
adaptations to different types of environments.
After Watching
In their groups, have students review their original idea for the most
successful type of animal on Earth. How did watching the program affect their
opinion? Bring the groups together and dis-cuss the reasons given in the
program for the success of ants. What observations does Dr. Wilson present to
support his idea that ants are the most successful species on Earth? Some of the examples of ant behavior presented in this program are so
fantastic that they might be found on the front page of a tabloid news-paper.
To give students an opportunity to practice apply-ing their research skills,
challenge the class to create the front page of a sensational newspaper. As a
group, choose a title for the news-paper. Then assign each student to create an
article, cartoon, or story that highlights an unusual feature about ants. They
may use an example from the program, or conduct a research project into other
ant adaptations. Their submission should be entertaining, but the facts must
be accurate.
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