Activity Overview
Rainforests at the Crossroads: Use a Berlese Funnel to extract arthropods from leaf litter; count and sort the species of arthropods; and use a TI-73 Explorer to make a circle graph showing the different groups represented in their collection.
Before the Activity
See the attached teacher document (PDF file) for notes and guidelines for this activity.
Print and copy these PDF files for your class: activity document, research article, arthropod identification chart, and berlese funnel instructions. These PDF files are attached below.
During the Activity
Students will:
Observe the various species of arthropods in their leaf
litter
Collect leaf litter, and then use a Berlese Funnel and a lamp to separate the arthropods
Use a TI-73 Explorer™ to make a "circle graph" showing the different groups represented in their collection
Directions
Distribute the activity document, research article, arthropod identification chart, and berlese funnel instructions to your class.
Read and discuss the research article.
Follow the activity procedures outlined in the student document.
After the Activity
Students complete the data analysis section of the activity.
Discuss the results of the data analysis with your students.