In this project, students gain an understanding of the habitats and lifestyles of insects. Insects can be found abundantly in nature, typically under old wood or rocks. They can also be purchased through companies such as the Carolina Biological Supply Company. Students will also need several small, clear containers, with doorways cut out and placed side to side, and various habitat materials, including soil, water, wood and leaf litter. Record the behavior of the insects as they are placed in the various habitat materials.
In this experiment, students will learn how temperature affects the metamorphosis of butterflies. Place several housing butterflies in two hatching containers. Place one container in a warm environment (about 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and the other in a cool environment (that is at least above 32 degrees Fahrenheit). Record the development of the butterflies in each container through the hatching process and for a specified duration after they have hatched. Be sure to note the temperatures at varying times during the day.
This project will allow students to understand the territory size for a pack of wolves. Students will need access to the International Wolf Center's Web site to view recorded tracking patterns during a two-year span. Record information about these tracking patterns in a notebook. Mark each data point on a map, using a colored-coded system for each wolf ID. Once each data point is mapped, students can determine the territory size of each wolf. Use the information recorded in the notebook to compare with the traveling patterns traced on the map.
This project enables students to understand the feeding patterns of local birds. For this project, students will need several bird feeders, each filled with a different type of bird food. Mount the feeders outdoors in a spot that can be easily viewed. Record the eating habits of birds at the feeders by noting the bird species, which seeds they are eating, how much they are eating and the times of day they are eating.