September 10, 2007
A Day in the Life of Timothy:
Mr. Powers' Critter Catcher Project
7th Grade Science
The name "Mr. Powers" proved to be quite appropriate during last week's 7th grade science project- each student created a "Critter Catcher" during a hands-on lesson that included working with several hand and power tools. Students actively participated in the scientific process- "doing science," rather than passively learning.
The purpose of this lesson was to create "Critter Catchers" that effectively catch yellowjackets and other pests. Once the project is completed, students add soda and a little bit of soap to the bottom of the critter catcher to break up the surface tension.
The trap works by applying the principles that students had previously learned- students did a lab on surface tension prior to the creation of the critter catchers so that they could understand that surface tension is broken up by soap molecules. The critters will enter the PVC pipe for a drink, and since the liquid has no surface tension, the critter will fall into the solution and eventually drown.
By using the scientific method, the students have made a hypothesis on what they will catch and then they will change variables to see if they will catch different critters.
In the words of Mr. Powers, "This lesson is a very effective way to eliminate those pesky yellowjackets."