Some student-generated observations, inferences, and suggestions.
| Observation . | Inference . | Possible Tests . |
|---|---|---|
| Termites follow some ballpoint pen lines but no other marks that we tested. | Something about ballpoint pen ink is attractive to termites. | Find out what is in ballpoint pen ink, and test the various chemicals with termites. |
| Termites follow some colors but not others. | Termites can see colors; the colors are chemically different. | Substitute paths cut from colored paper; use microscope to see whether termites have eyes. |
| Termites sometimes swing their heads from side to side while following trails. | Termites are using their antennae to stay where chemicals are rising from the trail; termites smell the chemicals; termites are looking around. | Clip antennae or cover with a blocking substance, then see what happens; use microscope to see whether termites have noses or eyes. |
| Even with “successful” inks, termites follow some better than others. | Termites are attracted by some component of the ink, not by the whole mixture; age of the pen matters. | Learn the ingredients in various pens, and compare them; make lines with old and new pens of same type. |
| Over time, termites don’t follow a trail as well. | Finding no food reward, termites no longer “pay attention” to the trail; something about the ink is changing over time; the attractive component is something that evaporates. | Put a fresh termite on the same trail that the older one no longer follows; vary trail age by marking lines at different time intervals. |
| Observation . | Inference . | Possible Tests . |
|---|---|---|
| Termites follow some ballpoint pen lines but no other marks that we tested. | Something about ballpoint pen ink is attractive to termites. | Find out what is in ballpoint pen ink, and test the various chemicals with termites. |
| Termites follow some colors but not others. | Termites can see colors; the colors are chemically different. | Substitute paths cut from colored paper; use microscope to see whether termites have eyes. |
| Termites sometimes swing their heads from side to side while following trails. | Termites are using their antennae to stay where chemicals are rising from the trail; termites smell the chemicals; termites are looking around. | Clip antennae or cover with a blocking substance, then see what happens; use microscope to see whether termites have noses or eyes. |
| Even with “successful” inks, termites follow some better than others. | Termites are attracted by some component of the ink, not by the whole mixture; age of the pen matters. | Learn the ingredients in various pens, and compare them; make lines with old and new pens of same type. |
| Over time, termites don’t follow a trail as well. | Finding no food reward, termites no longer “pay attention” to the trail; something about the ink is changing over time; the attractive component is something that evaporates. | Put a fresh termite on the same trail that the older one no longer follows; vary trail age by marking lines at different time intervals. |