What if your students could explore one of the most dramatic transformations in the natural world, where a harmless insect suddenly becomes part of a swarm capable of destroying entire ecosystems?
The lesson opens with a vivid, story-driven scenario of a locust swarm descending on farmland, instantly pulling students into the phenomenon. Instead of starting with vocabulary or notes, students are placed in the middle of a real-world problem—one that has impacted human societies for thousands of years.
This engaging introduction sets the stage for deeper learning and sparks curiosity right away. This case study goes beyond basic insect anatomy by helping students understand how structure and function connect to behavior.
Students explore:
- External anatomy of grasshoppers (head, thorax, abdomen)
- Graph analysis showing the relationship between population density and rainfall
- Physiological changes in grasshoppers
- Epigenetics and gene regulation
From Solitary Insects to Swarming Locusts
One of the most fascinating aspects of this resource is how it explains the transformation from solitary grasshopper to swarming locust.
Students investigate:
- Environmental triggers like rainfall and food availability
- The effects of population density and crowding
- The role of serotonin and the nervous system
- How gene expression changes lead to new behaviors
CER Writing for Deeper Thinking
To reinforce understanding, students complete a Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) writing task.
They answer the question: Can increased rainfall lead to locust swarms?
Using real data and their graphs, students must:
- Make a scientific claim
- Support it with evidence
- Explain the biological reasoning behind it
This provides a powerful, real-world example of phenotypic plasticity and helps students see how organisms respond to environmental changes.
Related Resources
Grasshopper Anatomy – dissection guide for the external anatomy of the grasshopper; focus is on the external anatomy
Exploring Phenotypic Plasticity in Arctic Foxes – explores how foxes change their coat colors depending on the season
Toy Grasshoppers – spice up your class by placing these toys in your room