Overview & Lesson Sequence

Focus on Standards & Assessment

Materials Needed, Preparation & Planning, Management Strategies

Background Info

Intro Activity
Why Study Populations?

Meet the Aphids

Research Project
Aphid Population Growth

Data Analysis I

Data Analysis II

Optional Activity
The Power of Exponential Growth

References

Glossary

Suppliers

Resource Sheets

Great Gravidity Home

CISEO Home

Introduction to Great Gravidity

Welcome
Insects play a vital role in human ecology. They pollinate our crops, provide food for us and other animals, and compete with us for food and fiber, to name a few examples. Thus, insects are excellent models for the study of key biological concepts such as population ecology. Understanding how a population grows is integral to understanding how to control a population of pest insects.

Great Gravidity is intended to be used as a teacher guide for teachers of students in grades 9-12. The lesson was developed by Arizona high school teachers working together with University of Arizona scientists and Center for Insect Science Education Outreach staff. Great Gravidity supports science education reform by providing integrated, hands-on, inquiry-based activities. The lesson begins with two introductory activities followed by an extended research project that students design and conduct themselves. Additional lessons lead the students through data analysis, interpretation, and presentation.

Please note that Great Gravidity has been pre-tested in two teacher classrooms, but has not been fully pilot-tested in classrooms throughout the United States. Hence the preparation, planning, and activity times may be inaccurate.