2. Animal Behavior Experimental Lab: Part 1

Teresa Granito, Sugat Dabholkar, Mandy Peel, Shruti Researcher
Biology
2 class periods of 45 minutes each
High School Advanced Placement (AP) Biology
v5

Overview

Students will learn about experimental design and data analysis while performing a hands-on animal behavior lab using real roly-polies. In lessons three and four, students will use computational models that simulate individual- or agent-level behaviors and interactions to model animal behavior.

Learning Objectives Adapted from AP Biology Science Practices:

AP science revisions focus on seven overarching practices that capture important aspects of the work of scientists. Science practices describe the knowledge and skills that students should learn and demonstrate to reach a goal or complete a learning activity.

Science Practice 1

The student can use representations and models to communicate scientific phenomena and solve scientific problems.

Science Practice 2

The student can use mathematics appropriately.

Science Practice 3

The student can engage in scientific questioning to extend thinking or to guide investigations within the context of the AP course.

Science Practice 4

The student can plan and implement data collection strategies in relation to a particular scientific question. (Note: Data can be collected from many different sources, e.g., investigations, scientific observations, the findings of others, historic reconstruction and/or archived data.)

Science Practice 5

The student can perform data analysis and evaluation of evidence.

Science Practice 6

The student can work with scientific explanations and theories.

Science Practice 7

The student is able to connect and relate knowledge across various scales, concepts and representations in and across domains.

Underlying Pages

Standards

Next Generation Science Standards
  •   Life Science
    • [HS-LS2] Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
    • [HS-LS4] Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
  •   NGSS Crosscutting Concept
    • Patterns
    • Causation
    • Scale
    • Systems
    • Stability and Change
  •   NGSS Practice
    • Analyzing Data
    • Communicating Information
    • Constructing Explanations, Designing Solutions
    • Asking Questions, Defining Problems
    • Using Models
    • Using Mathematics
    • Arguing from Evidence
    • Conducting Investigations
Computational Thinking in STEM
  •   Data Practices
    • Analyzing Data
    • Collecting Data
    • Creating Data
    • Manipulating Data
    • Visualizing Data
  •   Modeling and Simulation Practices
    • Assessing Computational Models
    • Designing Computational Models
    • Using Computational Models to Find and Test Solutions
    • Using Computational Models to Understand a Concept
    • Constructing Computational Models
  •   Computational Problem Solving Practices
    • Assessing Different Approaches/Solutions to a Problem
    • Creating Computational Abstractions
    • Developing Modular Computational Solutions
    • Computer Programming
    • Troubleshooting and Debugging
    • Preparing Problems for Computational Solutions
  •   Systems Thinking Practices
    • Communicating Information about a System
    • Investigating a Complex System as a Whole
    • Thinking in Levels
    • Understanding the Relationships within a System

Acknowledgement

Lab modified from https://www.nausetschools.org/cms/lib/MA02212418/Centricity/Domain/204/Animal%20Behavior%20Lab%20with%20Isopods%202017%20FINAL.pdf

Adapted from the College Board AP Biology Student Lab Manual, 2001 edition. Lab 11 Animal Behavior

Learning Objectives Adapted from AP Biology Lab Manual 2012 Lab 12