Module 3

Activity D: Look Who's in the Neighborhood!

Participants will:

• Conduct an experiment to discover the variety of insects that are in the area and the colors they are attracted to using the "Pan Trap" method.
  
• Observe and record information.
  
• Analyze information and draw conclusions about the types of insects in their neighborhood.

Materials needed:

• Plastic bowls, 3 red, 3 blue, 3 white, and 3 yellow
• Water
• Liquid dishwashing detergent
• Science Experiment Record Sheets, 1/participant

Getting ready:

• Assemble materials.
• Locate area near flowers or foliage where bowls can be placed.
• Make copies of Science Experiment Record Sheets

Suggested grouping:

Whole group for setting up the experiment
Individuals for observation

Action:

Review
Briefly discuss the role of color in attracting insects to flowers.

How do insects see colors differently?

What colors are attractive to bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, etc.?

Exploration and Concept Introduction:

1. There are a various ways of trapping insects and taking a sample of the population of insects in an area. One simple way is to make "Pan Traps."
   
2. To make a Pan Trap simply partially fill different colored bowls with water and place them about 3 feet apart near flowers or foliage.
   
3. After the bowls are in place add 2-3 drops of liquid dishwashing detergent to the water in each bowl. Do not mix or stir. The detergent "traps" the insects that are attracted to the bowls.
   
4. At regular intervals over a period of several days observe the types of insects that are trapped and record the information on the Science Experiment Record Sheets.

Concept Development:

5. Discuss their observations:

• Which colors attracted which types of insects?
  
• Which types of insects were caught during the day?
  
• Which types of insects were caught in the evening or during the night?
  
• Which of the trapped insects are pollinators?
  
• How many of each type of insect were trapped?

Concept Application:

6. As a group develop prediction statements about the insect, particularly the insect pollinators, that can be found in the area.

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