Caterpillars

Use this paper-based activity to replicate a 7-day experiment, without the complications of live organisms. Based on real data, this activity introduces the anchoring phenomenon for the module—the three-part symbiotic relationship between the soybean looper, a wasp parasitoid, and a virus (which will come in later). Students collect and analyze data from two sets of caterpillars, not knowing ahead of time that one set has been parasitized.

To most closely replicate the real experiment, do daily observations for 7 days, before you begin the module’s other lessons. Alternatively, students can do the observations consecutively over fewer class periods.

1. Distribute Caterpillar Observation Sheets.
2. Give students the plates for Day 1.
3. Review student instructions and how to take measurements, as needed.
4. On subsequent days (or seqentially on the same day), have students observe the next day's caterpillar plates.
   • For days 5–7, students should also complete the question in the Reflection section. You may wish to discuss students' reflections as a class.

90 minutes total: 10 minutes/day for 7 days plus 20 minutes on day 7

Copies

Caterpillars! (pdf)
Student Observation Sheet (pdf)

What do students think is going on with the caterpillars in Plate B?