NSW DPI Schools Program can help schools engage students in some citizen science
- identifying RIFA,
- why they are a problem and
- what to do if you think you have found an nest.
A student worksheet is available to accompany the webinars: https://www.nswdpi-schools-program.com/fireants-secondary, and the sessions are now available on-demand on DART learning for schools and on the Schools Program You Tube channel.
DART:
- Primary https://dartlearning.org.au/excursion/fighting-the-fire-ant-as-a-citizen-scientist-years-4-8-2/
- Secondary https://dartlearning.org.au/excursion/fighting-the-fire-ant-as-a-citizen-scientist-years-9-12-2/
YouTube:
- Primary: https://youtu.be/KDc_nrp2dp8
- Secondary: https://youtu.be/_y3Cb7IatoY
School activity planning for 2024
This unit is designed to be run in Term 1 over a ten week period and involves students in designing a lure for the ants to complete a surveillance program in your school grounds. The unit is mapped to Science and Technology and Geography outcomes for stage 3.
Important!
RIFA stings can be very painful, if your students think they have found a nest ask them to move away from the area and check the NSW DPI advice on what to do if you think you have found a nest here: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/insect-pests/fire-ants
