Learning activities/Bug Blitz

Introduction

The Bug Blitz is the idea of renowned naturalist and scholar Professor Edward O. Wilson of Harvard University. Students and teachers combine to focus on the issues that surround biodiversity. No prior experience is necessary for this type of field work. The only equipment required is the XO. What is also required is energy, to be able to inquire scientifically and to be able to work together with peers and experts, reflecting biodiversity.

Students will work with each other to collect, describe, record, and compare the living and non-living things in a particular "hot spot." They will identify issues, create new ways to present their information, and deliver messages about the knowledge gained. In addition, they will develop a whole new appreciation and respect for bugs. Combining the arts and science allows students to create a dynamic knowledge of biodiversity and help their region have a sustainable future.

Teacher Responsibility

Teachers accompanying students on the Blitz have an important role in ensuring it all comes together. Teachers have a particular responsibility to support the organizing their student group before arriving at the Blitz, and ensuring the preparatory work required for the Bug Blitz is completed. During the Blitz, teachers are expected to be fully involved in assisting the student working groups, and supporting the staff and experts working with them.

In advance of the Blitz, teachers will:

• Help students complete the ‘Pre-Bug Blitz activities’ and ensure they are prepared to participate in the outdoor experience and communal activities.

On arrival at the Blitz teachers will:

• Be fully involved with all the field and social activities including walking, navigation, team challenges, conducting activities, working with other teachers in collaboratively supervising students, and assisting with the development of a final day presentation with a group of seven students.

The Blitz Challenge

Teams of 7 comprising students and teacher will work together to trap and identify bugs, investigate the area, collect photos and evidence of bugs, and create the following products to present to the entire group on the final day:

1. Bug-Birds -- Under the microscope, telling a story of specific birds or bugs of the area.
2. Creation of a reflective audio-visual display of photos documenting their group’s journey during the Blitz.
3. Time capsule -- Past, present and future. Teams decide on one object they would like to include in a time capsule to be buried and explain what commitment they will make to the future.

Activities Explained

Health & Safety

Visiting students and teachers learn how to find their way around, how to navigate in the field and use safe procedures in their field work investigations. Short scenarios provide important practical examples of identifying risks and how to avoid them. Principles of basic first aid will be covered.

Get to know your group

Team leaders will conduct a series of “get to know you” activities. Each group will have to identify what kind of bug their group is named after and find out an interesting fact about this bug.

Water quality testing

Students can complete tests for salinity, pH, turbidity and phosphates to determine water quality and conditions needed for aquatic bugs.

Water bug collecting

Students will collect and identify bugs, including classification of bugs, using tolerance and sensitivity guide to water quality

Walking with “litter-rates”

Litter can be en environmental issue and threat to biodiversity. Students can assess an area and will later compare this to other areas to determine the impact litter may have on the ecosystem. All litter will be collected that doesn’t decompose.

Night Life Walk

A walk in the dark with penlights will allow students the opportunity to use other senses to listen to the bugs, birds and other animals that live nocturnally.

Walking with Bugs and Birds

Teams will go on a hike, looking out for any bugs and birds. Students will document all evidence of bugs and birds using their XOs to incorporate in their audiovisual presentations.

Audiovisual Workshop

Students create a visual presentation using their photographs of their experience in the final presentation.

Team Presentations

Each team presents a piece for the 4 award categories with prizes assigned to the best presentations by the experts.