Resources fo Learning - HOME


Educator Overview

Science Standards

Topics
What is Biodiversity?
Selecting a Site
Plant Identification
Plant Ecology
Arthropod Identification
Arthropods in Microhabitats
What are the Connections?
Preparing the Exhibit
Installation and Evaluation

Suggested Curricula

Reference Lists

Index

Credits


ARTHROPODS IN THEIR MICROHABITATS

Get ready for an ant's eye-view of the world. Students learn techniques for observing, identifying, and classifying arthropods within a microhabitat; they'll also learn how to trap specimens, and how to kill and preserve specimens for further study. Students apply these skills to their own field sites as part of a study of local biodiversity, finding out exactly how biodiverse is each microhabitat within their site, and graphing their findings.

Arthropods in Their Microhabitats
Curriculum Materials for grades 6 through 10
Any site is likely to have several different microhabitats. How do these small changes have a big impact on arthropods? Find out in this in-depth, hands-on lesson in biodiversity.
PDF [plugins: Adobe Acrobat; filesize: 230kb] [pages: 15]
More about this Resource
Arthropods in Their Microhabitats, Abridged
Curriculum Materials for grades 6 through 10
Planning is crucial for all fieldwork—from class research trips to large-scale scientific studies. Learn how to make your next arthropod collecting venture a success.
PDF [plugins: Adobe Acrobat; filesize: 219kb] [pages: 14]
More about this Resource
Dichotomous Keys for Arthropods
Evidence and Analysis for grades 6 through 12
You don't need to find an arthropod specialist to learn if you've collected a stonefly, a springtail, or a walking stick. This easy-to-use tool helps you figure it out yourself.
Archive/Zip [plugins: Adobe Acrobat; filesize: 528kb] [(macintosh .hqx file)]
Webpage
Webpage [Single Page (Printable) version]
More about this Resource
Other Methods to Capture Arthropods
Activity for grades 6 through 12
Sweep a soft paintbrush or cotton swab. Slide on surgical gloves. Or literally beat the bushes. Learn creative methods for skillfully collecting arthropods.
Webpage
More about this Resource
How to Set Up a Berlese Funnel
Activity for grades 6 through 12
Dozens of tiny arthropods make their homes in leaf litter, rotting wood, and soil. With a little ingenuity—and a Berlese funnel—you can coax them out of their habitat.
Webpage
More about this Resource
How to Make Your Own Net
Activity for grades 6 through 12
The best way to catch a flying, hopping, or otherwise fast-moving arthropod is with a fabric net. Learn how to make your own aerial net in four easy steps.
Webpage
More about this Resource
How to Set a Pitfall Trap
Activity for grades 6 through 12
How can you get soil dwellers to drop in for a visit? With a pitfall trap, of course. Find out how to build and bait your own arthropod trap with ordinary supplies.
Webpage
More about this Resource

SEARCH SITE MAP FAQ COPYRIGHT INFO PRIVACY POLICY ROSE CENTER CONTACT US SIGN UP FOR AMNH ENOTES