Why are fungus farming ants so good at surviving?
Students team up with international scientists—including experts in ecology, mycology, entomology, and evolutionary biology—deep in Central and South American jungles for a phenomenon-based investigation into survival strategies within biodiverse ecosystems. Through hands-on experiments, guided observations, and collaborative discussions, students will explore how organisms interact, compete, and collaborate to thrive. By examining patterns of cooperation and the roles of different organisms in fungus farming ant colonies, students will gather evidence to explain why these ants have survived for over 60 million years!
Meet the team
Who studies fungus farming ants?
(~10 minutes)Part 1: Warm-up
What is a fungus farming ant?
(15-20 minutes)Part 2: Research
How do organisms in a fungus farming ant community interact?
(20-30 minutes each)- Be the Ant: How do fungus farming ants grow fungus?
- Be the Scientist: How do scientists study fungus farming ants?
Part 3: Communicate
Why are fungus farming ants so good at surviving?
(20-30 minutes) Total Estimated Time: 1 - 2 hours
Standards Alignment:
- Utah SEEd Standards
Standard 3.2.4 - NGSS Standards
3-LS2-1 - Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
English/Language Arts
Speaking & Listening: Standard 3.SL.2
Integration of Knowledge & Ideas: Standard 7 - Utah Social Studies Standards (Extension Activity)
Standard 3.3.1: Your Community
Standard 3.2.3: Your Community - Utah Art Standards (Extension Activity)
Standard 3.T.CO.1.
Key Support Materials
- Instructional Guide
- Research Assistant Notebook
- Student Learning Assessment Tool
- Student Rubric for Assessing Learning Outcomes
- Student Rubric for Presenting Arguments
Launch Investigation
Support Materials
Student Access Code