MEALWORM MANIA

IntroductionTaskResourcesProcessEvaluationConclusionStandardsCitationsTeacher Notes

A WebQuest for 4th Grade About Mealworms

Designed by – Cynthia Binkley cbinkle@bgsu.edu

Based on a template from The WebQuest Page

INTRODUCTION Dear Students, I am the owner of “Unique and Fun Pets”

in Krawlsville, Ohio. Recently your teacher ordered mealworms for an upcoming science project. Unfortunately, when I went to fill the order, the mealworms were gone! They keep escaping from my holding containers. If I am going to be able to supply the mealworms for your project, I will need your help! I am looking for a habitat design to house the Tenebrio molitor during the larva stage. The best housing environment to keep these little guys safe and healthy will win 10 tickets for each group member. So get busy, do the research, and build a model habitat that will win the prize!

TASK

First, your class will be divided into groups of four. Second, each group member will select a team role. Third, you will all complete the WebQuest to research mealworms. Next, your team will collaborate with one anther to design a

habitat. Then, your group will construct an environment that could house

the mealworm. Finally, you will present your final project for evaluation and review.

Question: What information is needed to design and build a structure secure

enough to contain mealworms throughout all stages of their development?

RESOURCES Computers with internet access. Pencils Paper Rulers Scissors Tape Containers (ie. cardboard, glass, plastic, metal) Food items Note: Additional items (including container) should be brought

from home.

PROCESSYour teacher has assigned you to a group. At this time, each

member must choose a group role:Ecologists

Your job is to find out what the Tenebrio Moltiar needs to sustain life in the wild. You must then apply this knowledge to help meet its needs in the artificial environment that your group designs as your final project.

EntomologistsYou study insects! Find out the anatomy of a mealworm and its lifecycle stages. Analyze how these factors will play a part in the design process of the final project.

PROCESS Now it’s time to work. Read through the documents on the “Hotlist” to find out as much information on mealworms as you can.

HOTLIST http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mealworms

http://insected.arizona.edu/mealinfo.htm

http://insected.arizona.edu/mealexp.htm

http://insected.arizona.edu/mealrear.htm

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2135.html

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/cmeal.htm

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2093.html

PROCESS The following questions will help focus your research toward your specific role:Ecologist: 1. What type of surface would keep your mealworm contained? 2. How will you provide ventilation for the mealworm? 3. Will temperature affect the metamorphosis of the insect? 4. What are the nutritional needs of the mealworm during each stage of development?

Entomologist: 1. What are the main parts of a mealworm? (Draw and label your findings). 2. What are the life cycle stages of the Darkling Beetle? ( click here for diagram). 3. What materials are recommended to house this insect?

EVALUATIONBeginning-1 Developing-2 Accomplished

-3Score

Habitat Design

Obvious escape routes; structure lacks design.

Possibility of escape; structure could be improved

Containment is secure; structure is neat and well-planned

Efficiency of Environment

No air flow; nutritional needs have not been met.

Not adequate air flow; lacking some nutritional needs.

Appropriate air flow; nutritional needs have been satisfied.

Class Presentation

Lacking essential information; presentation disorganized.

Information omitted; poor organization of presentation.

Well-planned; presented in a professional manner.

Teamwork Struggled to cooperate and stay on task.

Some difficulty cooperating and organizing tasks.

Showed cooperation and efficiency when working together.

CONCLUSIONYou have completed the “Mealworm Mania”

WebQuest and now have the information to build a prize-winning habitat!

This will not only help Mr. Mealy safely house his insects at the pet store, but will provide our classroom mealworms with a home when they arrive for our future projects.

Teamwork Rocks!

STANDARDS Ohio Academic Content Standards –Science Standard: Science and Technology Benchmark A: Design a solution or product taking into account

needs and constraints (e.g., cost, time, trade-offs, properties of materials, safety and aesthetics).

Standard: Scientific Ways of Knowing Benchmark C: Give examples of how thinking scientifically is

helpful in daily life. Standard: Life Sciences Benchmark B: Describe the characteristics of an organism in

terms of a combination of inherited traits and recognize reproduction as a characteristic of living organisms essential to the continuation of the species.

STANDARDS Ohio Academic Content Standards for Technology Standard 1: Nature of Technology Benchmark A: Analyze information relative to the characteristics of technology and apply in a practical

setting.

Standard 3: Technology for Productivity Applications Benchmark A: Demonstrate an understanding of concepts underlying hardware, software, and

connectivity.

Standard 5: Technology and Information Literacy Benchmark B: Use technology to conduct research and follow a research process model which includes

the following: developing an essential question; identifying resources; selecting, using and analyzing information; synthesizing and generating a product; and evaluate both process and product.

Standard 7: Design World Benchmark A: Develop an understanding of, and be able to, select and use physical technologies. Benchmark B: Develop and understanding of, and be able to, select and use informational technologies.

STANDARDS Guidelines for Effective School Library Media Programs in Oh

io Benchmark B: Identify information needs, select school library

media books and materials in a variety of formats, and demonstrate responsible use

and ethical behavior when using library media materials. Benchmark D: Evaluate the accuracy, authority, objectivity,

currency, coverage, and relevance of information and data sources. Benchmark E: Conduct research and follow a research process

model that includes the following: develop essential question; identify

resources; select, use and analyze information; synthesize and generate a product.

TEACHER NOTES Have fun with your students and enjoy

them everyday. Children are a blessing!

Special thanks to P.S.Morris (personal communications, August 1, 2008).

CITATIONShttp://webquest.sdsu.edu/processguides/time_manage.html

http://insected.arizona.edu/lesson_03/mealsong.htm