Food Preference Cricket Lab

1. Food Preference Cricket Lab Sasha Belinkie & Noelle Van Ee

2. Engage Phase • Introduce the crickets. Crickets are our friends. We will treat them as respected guests in our classroom. Ask students about prior cricket knowledge. Are they dangerous? What do they like to eat? When are they active? • These crickets will help us learn about the scientific method. Pass cricket around in closed, clear container. Identify possible screamers and/or squashers.

3. Exploration Phase • Student begin exploration by formulating hypothesis and determining how they will test it. No crickets until dispensed until all groups complete initial questions. • Reiterate the rules about handling crickets. • Pass out cricket boxes and testing supplies. • Allow students to begin experimentation as teacher and fellow circulate room.

4. Explanation • Peer review: have groups present work and compare procedures and results with other groups. Did every group come to the same conclusion? If not, why? Can we come to a consensus as a class for the best way to test the food preference of crickets? As part of discussion of procedures, use vocabulary (control variable, dependent, independent)

5. Extension • Using the scientific method, individual students will develop an experiment to answer another question about cricket behavior. This would be done in a worksheet format. When complete, students will exchange worksheets and perform a peer review.

6. Evaluation • Students will complete an exit ticket with questions about the labs key points. Students individual work, both experimental design and peer review, will be assessed.