昆虫の体のつくりの理解を促すとともに進化的視点から考察を行う機会を提供する生物教材の開発～アリとアリグモの比較を通して～

抄録

It has been reported through abundant research that many primary school students do not have an adequate understanding of insect morphology (especially positioning of the six legs) even after learning about insects in third grade. However, insect morphology can be learnt effectively through comparison with the morphology of other arthropods. Spiders are one of the best examples for use in comparative anatomy; insect mimicry by spiders, moreover, offers students an opportunity to discuss morphology in an evolutionary context. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop materials for teaching students about insect morphology and adaptive significance by comparing ants and ant-mimic spiders. Science classes in two primary schools were given these teaching materials to use. A comparison of pre- and post-test scores revealed that the teaching materials enhanced students’ understanding of where the six legs are positioned on an insect body. Also, our video to explain the adaptive significance of ant-mimicry in spiders offered a valuable opportunity for the students to think from an evolutionary perspective.