|
|
Little Creatures Who Run the World
|
|
|
|
Viewing Ideas
|
|
|
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.
|
|
