Educator Guide: Chemical Coaxes Locusts to Swarm

dozens of locusts flying around in the desert

Locusts, such as the desert locusts pictured here, are among the most destructive agricultural pests when they team up in massive swarms.

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About this guide

In this guide, students will learn how a newly identified pheromone may influence species behavior, research a pheromone that interests them and discuss why scientists are interested in studying such chemicals.

This Guide Includes:

The science of locust swarms

Students will answer questions about the online Science News article “A single molecule may entice normally solitary locusts to form massive swarms,” which describes a compound used in locust congregation that might also be used to control the pests. A version of the story, “Chemical coaxes locusts to swarm,” can be found in the September 12, 2020 issue of Science News.

Chemicals cue behavior

Students will explore the chemical makeup of pheromones, how the chemicals may cue species behavior and why it’s important for scientists to study such information. Students will answer questions related to the pheromone discussed in the Science News article before applying the same questions to a pheromone of their choice.