Activity Overview
Rainforests at the Crossroads: Use a TI-73 Explorer™ to become familiar with a graphical technique for measuring the amount of leaves Leaf Cutter Ants chew. Measure the mass of a chewed leaf and then find its area.
Before the Activity
See the attached teacher document (pdf file) for notes and guidelines for this activity.
Print and copy the attached activity document and research article (pdf files) for your class. The research article is in the during the activity section below.
During the Activity
Students will:
Use the TI-73 Explorer™
to become familiar with a technique for measuring the amount of leaves Leaf Cutter Ants chew
Use a piece of construction paper to simulate a leaf and a hole punch to simulate Leaf Cutter Ants
Directions
Distribute the activity document and research article 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