Science....Insect Inquiry Continues

It was another busy week in science.  We observed even more insects as part of our Plant and Animal Populations unit.  Last week I talked about how we observed predator - prey relationships.  All of our aphids quickly disappeared when they were introduced to the lady bugs.  Chomp! Chomp!

This week we observed the life cycle of fruit flies.  While I hate to ever have those in my house, they are a great example of observation of the various stages of egg, larva, pupa, and fruit fly.  Students could observe all the stages in one vile of fruit flies.  Very cool!

We also have set up an ant farm in the classroom.  Students are watching the ants dig their tunnels and do various jobs.  It is interesting to see that the ants bury their dead (yes, some have died).  They have also done a little research on ants, gathering at least 5 facts about ants, that we will share this week.

With both of these insects, students have learned about the characteristics of insects.  In conjunction with this, Angela, the Howard County Naturalist, will be stopping in Tuesday to do an Insect Inquiry activity with the 3rd graders and see what they have learned.  I am excited to have her stop in the classroom and share more learning with the students.