46 replies to this topic

[justanotheramy]

Going to reiterate that if you can talk about how ants work together as a team and cooperate and that's why they're so successful in so many different kinds of environments — teachers and parents will love you.
Getting kids working together, cooperating, even just turn-taking is a big classroom focus at that age.

[OhNoNotAgain]

Ah yeah I did that, though it wasn't the part that really engaged the kids lol. I DID take that feedback about cooperatiom. For example, I made sure to stress that ants worked together cooperatively in building their nests and also deliberately pointed out (for example) that one tiny weaver ant cannot possibly bend a huge leaf by herself.

 

Ants are just so incredibly interesting and there's so much info that I know I went on information overload a bit (I saw eyes glazing over), but the cool/gross/funny facts and Alex Wild's photos (plus dspdrew's) kept them engaged. Then seeing the real ants was icing on the cake. I also tried to pique a little fear/excitement/caution by telling them how the Ant Farm (Pogonomyrmex) ants were famous for having a painful sting.... lol

Edited by OhNoNotAgain, January 31 2020 - 11:26 PM.

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

I love your ideas! I wish I found out about ants before I went in my backyard and killed a bunch of workers when I was young (sorry ants). After that, I watched YouTube videos on ants (luckily the old, non-egotistical AntsCanada) and developed my love for ants! I just wish there was someone like you who would have taught me not to kill, but study and adore ants! Keep on doing your work, because you are living the dream I never could have imagined I would have one day.    

[RushmoreAnts]

A long time ago my dad poured gasoline on a Lasius colony that was releasing males. He thought the males were foreign insects attacking the ants.......       But the colony lived, fortunately.

[OhNoNotAgain]

A long time ago my dad poured gasoline on a Lasius colony that was releasing males. He thought the males were foreign insects attacking the ants.......       But the colony lived, fortunately.

So your dad was trying to save the Lasius? At least that's something?? lol

That's like my dad (a scientist, no less) mistakenly believing cutting earthworms in two will let each half develop into a whole worm....     

Edited by OhNoNotAgain, February 2 2020 - 9:26 AM.

[ANTdrew]

Mistakes were made...

[TheMicroPlanet]

 

A long time ago my dad poured gasoline on a Lasius colony that was releasing males. He thought the males were foreign insects attacking the ants.......       But the colony lived, fortunately.

So your dad was trying to save the Lasius? At least that's something?? lol

That's like my dad (a scientist, no less) mistakenly believing cutting earthworms in two will let each half develop into a whole worm....     

 

That's... i'm just.... it... that.... 

 

Mistakes were indeed made.

Edited by TheMicroPlanet, March 16 2020 - 4:47 PM.