DONOVAN FILKINS

EARLHAM, IOWA

WINTERSET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

WINTERSET, IOWA 

SCIENCE GRADES 1-4

LISTENING TO INSECTS

Research

During the summer of 1998 I was a participant in the TRUE program (Teacher Research Update Experience) at the University of Florida at Gainsville. My research project involved the acoustic analysis of termites. For my project I used Reticulitermes virginicus because these termites are native to Florida and easy to maintain. I used an ant farm that I purchased to keep the termites in. To collect my data I used specialized equipment and a sound proof room to record the sounds of termites chewing on the wood that was provided for them in the termite farm. I was able to make recordings of the termites chewing and digitize the sounds using a special program that Dr. Richard Mankin developed.

Lectures

During the program we were required to attend morning lectures. The lecture that I got the most out of was by Dr. Parker Small, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. His topic was Influenza. One quote from his presentation I especially liked was: "Learn how to ask a simple question. Learn how to answer a simple question. Learn how to ask a complex question. Know which complex question are worth asking."

For more information on this topic contact: http://www.ars.usda.gov/