Name:______

Meal worms

Scientific Method Step: Ask A question!

Make Observations, Do Research and Ask a question

1. Observations

Record your observations about mealworms (shape, size, number of legs and segments, analogies, movements, response to stimuli, etc..) / Draw a detailed picture of your meal worm.

2. Research

After you have observed your mealworms, read the article about mealworms and note the information provided that will help you in your experiments. WRITE THE NOTES IN THE MARGINS and IN THE BOX BELOW.

Keywords, Main Ideas, Questions / Notes

3. Ask a Question (Purpose based on your observations)

After reading about mealworms and observing your mealworms, write down 3 questions you have about mealworms that can be answered by doing an experiment..

Group Members Names:

The Meal Worm Experiment

Complete the LAB REPORT

A. TITLE:

______

B. PURPOSE: ______

______

______

C. HYPOTHESIS: IF______

THEN______

______

D. What are your independent variables?______

______

E. What are your dependent variables?______

______

F. What is your control?______

G. What are your constants?______

______

H. MATERIALS (List):

·  / · 

I. PROCEDURES (List, detailed and anyone can repeat it):

· 

· 

· 

· 

· 

· 

· 

·  Draw the Experimental Set up in the box below:

J. RESULTS (Data/Analysis): You will show your results in the form of a graph. Line or Bar? (circle one)

Week / 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8
Mean Mass of Control Group
Mean Length of Control Group
Number Dead in Control Group
Mean Mass of Experimental Group
Mean Length of Experimental Group
Number Dead in Experimental Group

K. GRAPH: Use your data to graph your results.

L. CONCLUSIONS: Accept or reject hypothesis.

M. REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1.  What could you do to improve your experiment for next time?

2.  Did you enjoy the experiment?

RESEARCH READING. TAKE NOTES IN YOUR RESEARCH SECTION:

Darkling Beetle/Mealworm Information
Phylum, Arthropoda; Class, Insecta; Order, Coleoptera
Identifying Features
Appearance (Morphology)
Adult Beetle
·  Black with hardened front wings (elytra)
·  Antennae arise under ridge near eyes
·  Antennae many-segmented, enlarging near tip
·  Shape quite variable, from almost parallel-sided to round
·  Head visible from top, followed by pronotum and elytra about same width
·  Mealworm (larva) averages an inch in length. They have a tough yellowish brown exoskeleton and are cylindrical.
Adult Males and Females
It is difficult to tell the difference between the males and females without a microscope and dissection.
Immatures (different stages)
The larval stage (referred to generally as mealworms) is worm-like and somewhat hardened for burrowing. The egg is white. The pupa is 1/2 to 3/4" long., white initially then darkening just before the beetle emerges. Length of the life cycle is 3-5 months. The larval stage may molt 9-20 times.
Natural History
Food
The beetles and larvae eat decaying leaves, sticks, grasses and occasionally new plant growth. As general decomposers, they also eat dead insects, feces and stored grains.
Habitat
Mealworms live in areas surrounded by what they eat under rocks, and logs, in animal burrows and in stored grains. They clean up after plants and animals, and therefore can be found anywhere where "leftovers" occur.
Predators
Many predators eat mealworms including rodents, lizards, predatory beetles, spiders, and birds.
Interesting Behaviors
When disturbed, some beetles (genus Eleodes)assume a defensive posture in which they stand on their head and release chemicals from a scent gland in the rear that produces noxious odors and turns skin brown. Mealworms prefer darkness and to have their body in contact with an object.
Impact on the Ecosystem
Positive
Clean up organic materials not readily used by others. Mealworms are food for other animals.
Negative
Sometimes mealworms feed on seedlings and clip plants off near soil line. Mealworms can be pests to stored grain.

1

NguyenScience Scientific Method Culminating Task