A Sample from "The MINTS Book" -- Goldenrods
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Goldenrods (Solidago species)
Many different organisms can be found among the flowers of these plants in the fall, making goldenrods a rich resource for your young inquiring students. In addition to the bees, wasps, and flies that feed on the nectar and pollen, you may discover the stunning yellow and black Locust Borer Beetle. This large beetle is attracted to the flowers to feed on the nectar and pollen, as well as to mate with others of its species that congregate there. You may also find other beetles on goldenrod flowers, such as the Banded Longhorned Beetle and Soldier Beetles.
Goldenrods Line of Inquiry
Plant Visitors 1: Nectar and Pollen Gatherers
Teacher instructions: Use this line of inquiry in the fall when plants are in full bloom. Useful materials: hand lenses, insect-viewing boxes (or plastic containers used with hand lenses), insect nests (commercial or homemade).
Suggested questions for guiding students' investigation:
Observe the flying insects that visit the flowers.
Describe the behavior of the insects that land on the flowers.
How long do they stay ?
Do they interact with other insects ?
Why do they visit the flowers ?
How many different insects can you see ? Describe or sketch some of them.
How many insects visit the plants in a ten-minute interval ? Make a chart to record your observations.
Does the number of insect visitors vary at different times of the day ?
When would you expect to see the most visitors ?