With so many questions in science, where does research begin? The hypothesis! Students learn about the hypothesis from entomologist, Dr. Mitra. Then, follow along as Beth and Curtis travel to their field location. Students will then use interactive maps and satellite images to virtually compare locations related to the mission.

Showing up bright and bold? Trying to blend in a bit? Butterfly wings can do both! In the field video, observe how animals use colors and patterns in their habitats. Next, create butterflies with wings that blend into a background when closed, but are flashy and attractive when open.

Let’s research respectfully! Use scavenged materials to create a model insect trap. Students will think about how to safely capture and release a specific insect and then design a model trap. Before getting started, watch Beth and Curtis demonstrate how this is done in the field using butterfly traps in the rainforest.

As they travel through new areas of the rainforest, Beth and Curtis share many of the animal species they see. Using their observations of rainforest animals, students will apply what they see by arranging and assembling life-size animal posters. Make just one or do them all. It’s up to you!

Animals have many adaptations that help them in their habitat. The monkeys Beth and Curtis saw playing in the trees had opposable thumbs and opposable big toes! Have you ever stopped to think about how useful your opposable thumbs are? Students play a game to test completing different tasks with and without opposable digits.

Beth and Curtis were surprised to see so much plastic waste washed up on a remote tropical island. Did you know many shirts are made with plastics? Students use their creativity to turn old t-shirts into a useful and reusable bag! 

Sloth crossing ahead! Beth and Curtis were worried the sloth they found would get hurt crossing the road. How can people help protect sloths? Design and construct a way for sloths to safely cross a road. Use observations from the video and new resources about sloths for the sloth crossing design. 

Have you ever wondered about all the ways animals find their way around in nature? One way is through sound! In this sound hide-and-seek game, imagine how field researchers can listen in on bat sounds even though most of their sounds are too high pitched for us to hear with just our ears. 

From the rainforests and pastures of Panama, Beth and Curtis observe a variety of animals in their habitats. What might happen if habitats change? Students play a game about biodiversity in changing habitats to learn more.

Zip and zoom through this activity just like Beth and Curtis zip lined through the treetops of the rainforest! Teams create their own zip lines and test if they can transport Beth and Curtis from the highest point they can reach to the ground safely, stopping at platforms along the way.

Some animals work together in incredible ways! Watch leaf-cutter ants as they travel to leaves, collect them, and bring them to the nest to grow fungus. Test the different ways insects gather information by acting as leaf-cutter ants and following a scent trail to guide the way to leaves and back to the nest.

Now it’s time to analyze the data collected throughout Mission: Rainforest and come to a consensus about the hypothesis. Dr. Mita wanted to know if blue Morpho butterflies can only live in or near rainforests and not well outside of them. What does the evidence tell you? Share all the research you’ve done by creating a display board with the hypothesis and your conclusion!