As part of their ecology unit, AP Biology students conducted an animal behavior lab using mealworms in a “choice chamber” — a simple device of connected petri dishes that allows organisms to move between different environments. Students first observed the mealworms without any changes to their environment, then introduced a variable such as light versus dark, hot versus cold, or different scents or colors. 

By tracking the mealworms’ movements over time, students gathered data on how environmental factors influence animal behavior. This hands-on investigation not only strengthened their understanding of ecology but also challenged them to ask deeper questions: Are the patterns they observed random, or do they reveal meaningful responses to environmental change? Students analyzed their findings and connected them to broader research, reinforcing the link between careful observation, data collection, and scientific reasoning.