I wonder how fast Manduca grows...
Lesson Overview:
After teacher modeling, students will create a bar graph representing growth in both length and width of their Manduca since it hatched. Students will use their data to make predictions about Manduca growth over the next few days and up until the time of pupation. The initial activity can be done in one class period, but looking into students predictions will necessitate a daily record of length and width, space on their bar graph, and in class time to add onto their charts (weekly or bi-weekly basis). A growth chart can be found under the All About Manduca tab. This chart will help the teacher guide student questions.
Subject Area Focus: science & mathematics
Objectives:
- create graphs to show the growth of the Manduca
Click here to download a growth chart to fill in - record the appropriate data daily
- record changes and developments in the Manduca
- make predictions about the growth rate of the Manduca
- support their predictions.
Materials:
- journals
- graph paper
- rulers
Procedures:
- The students will make their daily observations and record all changes they notice and any questions or predictions they would like to make.
- Teacher should encourage students to note how the insect is different today. Ask students if their predictions yesterday came true today.
- The teacher will model the graphing activity first as a whole group activity. Data from a random insect or the teacher's insect to create a bar graph charting the insects growth in both length and width.
- Students will be given graph paper and either in pairs or individually create a bar graph that maps out their Manduca's growth since hatching.
- Encourage students to make a prediction about what they believe the graph will show and how much they think the insects will grow over the next couple of days/weeks.
- Ask students to predict how much their Manduca will grow before it becomes a moth. Will the size of the Manduca larva be the same size as the moth?
- Over the next few weeks students should be sure to record size findings along in their regular observations. When the Manduca enters the fifth instar (the last before it pupates) use the data collected in the observation journals to add onto the bar graph. Were the students predictions right?
**data can be added to the bar grpahs on a weekly basis so that it is not too overwhelming for students and teachers.
Teacher Note: A sample chart is provided for you on the All About Manduca tab under the Growth Chart section. This graph can be used as a guide for average Manduca growth.