MODULE OVERVIEW

The Discover Ants Workshop Program consists of five modules. Each module consists of visual presentations, short video messages and opportunities to put what you have learned to a test.

Learning Goals

Learning Outcomes are clearly defined in each module and can be checked after each section by completing an activity sheet or an online quiz.

Core Topic

Modules consists of several sections, each section focuses on a core topic.

Activities

In addition to several smaller exercises, each modul consists of one more comprehensive activity.

Module 1: Why Ants – Let's find out!

A great start into the fascinating world of ants.

Module 1: Why Ants – Let's find out!

A great start into the fascinating world of ants.

Learning Goal

A basic understanding of ants, both in the context of global biodiversity and local environments.

Core Topic

Worldwide Species Diversity put into perspective (“How much is there of what”)

Interesting facts about ants

Ecological importance of ants explained

Activity

Working through the “Species Scape” Image.

Module 2: Biodiversity – we only notice what we know

Find your spirit ant and learn about species diversity surrounding us all.

Modul 2: Artenvielfalt – man beachtet nur was man kennt​

Find your spirit ant and learn about species diversity surrounding us all.

Learning Goal

What are species and how ants fit into the animal kingdom.

Core Topic

Species concept explained

How to recognize an ant

How to identify different species

Activity

With “Find Your Spirit Ant” you’ll learn about 15 ant species and find out which one is exactly like you. You’ll get to know a small part of ant (and species) diversity on earth.

Module 3: Identifying and recognizing species – what on earth is a dichotomous key

Identify ant species and become ant [er]ID expert.

Module 3: Identifying and recognizing species – what on earth is a dichotomous key

Identify ant species and become ant [er]ID expert.

Learning Goal

A basic understanding of systematics and how scientific work in the field of taxonomy (= the description and classification of newly discovered species) works.

Core Topic

Categorising and Naming – why it makes sense

How to describe a newly discovered species – a first hand report from a taxonomic researcher

How to recognize and identify species

Activity

A dichotomous picture key (a kind of labyrinth game) is used to identify ant species using pictures or specimens.

Module 4: Doing Science – a way to understand the world

Become a scientist. A citizen science project makes it possible.

Module 4: Doing Science – a way to understand the world

Become a scientist. A citizen science project makes it possible.

Learning Goal

How to get from a question to a well-founded, scientifically sound answer

Core Topic

Introducing the three steps of the scientific method (observation, hypothesis, experiment)

Exercise: Working out your own research questions

Introducing the Citizen Science experiment “Ant Picnic”

Activity

We’re implementing the Citizen Science project “Ant Picnic”. This is a real international science experiment which is done by people around the globe.

Module 5: Analyzing data – and what graphs have in common with icebergs

Analyze your own project. And become a data expert.

Module 5: Analyzing data – and what graphs have in common with icebergs

Analyze your own project. And become a data expert.

Learning Goal

Analyzing scientific data, create graphs and find an “answer” to your own Ant Picnic experiment from Module 4. Learn how to critically consider graphs and statistics.

Core Topic

Introduction to basic statistics – data (vs. numbers), summary statistics

Data analysis and graphs

The “Iceberg”: How to critically consider graphs and tables

Activity

Work with your own Ant Picnic data from Module 4.

Let's get started with Module 1 !

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