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Description
Explore how cooperative behavior in social insects enhances individual survival. Students first examine cooperative foraging behavior in bees and model bee communication. Next, they identify how termites communicate with members of their colony. Finally, students assess hypotheses and share results between groups.
Evaluate evidence from different insect species that communication and cooperative behaviors can increase the chances of survival.
PE: HS-LS2-8
Time Requirement: 4 45-minute Class Periods
SEP: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
CCC: Cause and Effect
DCI: LS2.D: Social Interactions and Group Behavior
It might take a village to raise a child, but in the case of social insects, it takes a colony to find food, raise young, and defend against threats. While humans can write down directions and instructions, bees and termites must use other means to communicate their needs and where best to find food. In this activity, students first examine cooperative foraging behavior in bees and model bee communication. Next, they identify how termites communicate with members of their colony and explore how cooperative behavior enhances individual survival. Students then assess their hypotheses and share results between groups.
This kit addresses the following Next Generation Science Standards*:
- HS-LS2-8. Evaluate evidence for the role of group behavior on individual and species' chances to survive and reproduce.
Kit materials are sufficient for 30 students working in groups of 3 and include 1-year access to digital resources that support 3-dimensional instruction.
Note: Due to termites' natural life cycle, they are often fragile in early fall and may not ship well. Order the kit with the perishable materials included (item #143725) or with a voucher to request perishables later at your convenience (item #143725P). Contact us or return the voucher to request delivery of perishable materials.
*Next Generation Science Standards® is a registered trademark of WestEd. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.
