Instructional Video

Winter is Coming for These Argentine Ant Invaders

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

When ants touch antennas with each other, they exchange information about which jobs they need to complete. The video focuses on the spread of the Argentine ants invading the globe. They eliminate local ants, even those that are more than twice their size. However, one type of ant in California uses a secret weapon to control the Argentine ants.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Discuss if introducing an invasive species on purpose is good science, bad for the environment, or both
  • Research if scientists know the chemical composition of the defense yet, as the video doesn't explain it
Classroom Considerations
  • Video fits well when studying invasive species, insects, or survival of the fittest
  • This video is hosted on YouTube
Pros
  • Provides closed captioning for the hearing impaired
  • Includes links for more information, including the current research on these specific species of ants
Cons
  • None